STXK vs. HSMV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STXK (Strive Small-Cap ETF) and HSMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. STXK is passively managed, while HSMV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, STXK returned 14.24%/yr vs 8.36%/yr for HSMV. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STXK charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for HSMV.

Performance

STXK vs. HSMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXK achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly higher than HSMV's 3.11% return.

STXK

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 6M: 9.14%
• 1Y: 25.86%
• 3Y*: 14.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HSMV

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: -2.09%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 3.06%
• 1Y: 4.19%
• 3Y*: 8.36%
• 5Y*: 3.69%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

STXK vs. HSMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	10.46%	7.82%	9.47%	20.15%	-4.99%
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	3.11%	1.57%	13.17%	5.01%	-2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between STXK and HSMV is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2022	0.84

The correlation between STXK and HSMV shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

STXK vs. HSMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STXK	HSMV
Technology	16.4%	1.7%
Financial Services	15.8%	16.6%
Industrials	14.6%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	7.8%
Healthcare	12.2%	4.9%
Real Estate	7.4%	23.8%
Energy	7.0%	2.8%
Basic Materials	4.5%	5.4%
Utilities	3.2%	11.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	7.9%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.3%

Return for Risk

STXK vs. HSMV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

STXK

STXK Risk / Return Rank: 48
STXK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
STXK Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
STXK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
STXK Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
STXK Martin Ratio Rank: 54

HSMV

HSMV Risk / Return Rank: 15
HSMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
HSMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
HSMV Omega Ratio Rank: 14
HSMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
HSMV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

STXK vs. HSMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	STXK	HSMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	0.41	+1.14
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	0.68	+1.62
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.07	+0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	0.54	+2.11
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.12	1.62	+7.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

STXK vs. HSMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXK Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is higher than the HSMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXK and HSMV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STXK	HSMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	0.41	+1.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.67	-0.08

Drawdowns

STXK vs. HSMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXK drawdown since its inception was -27.12%, which is greater than HSMV's maximum drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXK and HSMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXK	HSMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.12%	-19.16%	-7.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.81%	-7.83%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.12%	-15.45%	-11.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-4.36%	+3.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-5.62%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.59%	+0.25%

Volatility

STXK vs. HSMV - Volatility Comparison

Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) has a higher volatility of 4.21% compared to First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV) at 2.85%. This indicates that STXK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HSMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXK	HSMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	2.85%	+1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.55%	7.28%	+4.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.86%	10.37%	+6.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	15.00%	+5.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	16.06%	+4.06%

STXK vs. HSMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXK has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than HSMV's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXK vs. HSMV - Dividend Comparison

STXK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, less than HSMV's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	2.00%	2.01%	1.43%	1.43%	1.26%	0.76%	0.80%
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	1.39%	1.29%	1.64%	1.14%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXK and HSMV in my portfolio?

STXK and HSMV have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STXK or HSMV?

STXK has higher volatility (4.21%) compared to HSMV (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXK dropped -27.12% vs HSMV's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, STXK or HSMV?

On 3-year performance, STXK leads with 14.24% vs 8.36% for HSMV. On fees, STXK is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, HSMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXK or HSMV?

Over the 3-year period, STXK has performed better with a 14.24% return vs 8.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXK or HSMV?

STXK is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HSMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXK or HSMV?

HSMV has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 1.39% for STXK.

What is the main difference between STXK and HSMV?

They also come from different issuers: Strive and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for STXK and 0.80% for HSMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.41), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.