SYZ vs. FDM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SYZ is actively managed, while FDM is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

SYZ vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SYZ achieves a 19.52% return, which is significantly higher than FDM's 13.86% return.

SYZ

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 3.17%
• YTD: 19.52%
• 6M: 17.58%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDM

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 4.64%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 12.43%
• 1Y: 30.56%
• 3Y*: 19.96%
• 5Y*: 9.37%
• 10Y*: 12.29%

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

SYZ vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	19.52%	0.54%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	13.86%	5.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and FDM is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYZ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 55
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FDM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

SYZ vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SYZ	FDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.63	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.38	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.28	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.30	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.96	—

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-63.45%	+55.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.30%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	0.00%	-0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.01%	-11.32%	+9.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.79%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.23%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.89%	18.84%	-1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.89%	21.40%	-4.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.89%	23.36%	-6.47%

SYZ vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SYZ and FDM have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

SYZ vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than FDM's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.21%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and FDM in my portfolio?

SYZ and FDM have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SYZ or FDM?

Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or FDM?

SYZ and FDM have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SYZ or FDM?

FDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.24% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and FDM?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and First Trust.