TMFM vs. DBC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

TMFM (Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and DBC (Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - TMFM is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Motley Fool, while DBC is a Commodities fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. TMFM is actively managed, while DBC is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TMFM returned 2.45%/yr vs 11.51%/yr for DBC. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.85% expense ratio.

Performance

TMFM vs. DBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TMFM achieves a -5.52% return, which is significantly lower than DBC's 27.28% return.

TMFM

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: 4.42%
• 6M: -8.00%
• YTD: -5.52%
• 1Y: -15.26%
• 3Y*: 2.45%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBC

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 2.01%
• 6M: 22.67%
• YTD: 27.28%
• 1Y: 31.86%
• 3Y*: 11.51%
• 5Y*: 11.45%
• 10Y*: 8.52%

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

TMFM vs. DBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TMFM Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF	-5.52%	-8.98%	17.54%	21.81%	-27.36%	1.91%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	27.28%	8.10%	2.18%	-6.19%	19.34%	2.21%

Correlation

The correlation between TMFM and DBC is -0.16, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2021	0.06

The correlation between TMFM and DBC shifts across timeframes, from -0.16 (1 year) to 0.06 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TMFM vs. DBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMFM

TMFM Risk / Return Rank: 4
TMFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
TMFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
TMFM Omega Ratio Rank: 3
TMFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
TMFM Martin Ratio Rank: 5

DBC

DBC Risk / Return Rank: 56
DBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DBC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DBC Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

TMFM vs. DBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). 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.

	TMFM	DBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	1.70	-2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.10	2.31	-3.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.29	-0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.58	1.94	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.99	6.62	-7.61

TMFM vs. DBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TMFM Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is lower than the DBC Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TMFM and DBC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

TMFM vs. DBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMFM drawdown since its inception was -31.75%, smaller than the maximum DBC drawdown of -76.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMFM and DBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMFM	DBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.75%	-76.36%	+44.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.59%	-16.54%	-10.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.75%	-16.54%	-15.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.34%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.12%	-26.37%	+3.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.08%	-46.12%	+30.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.47%	4.82%	+10.65%

Volatility

TMFM vs. DBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) is 5.64%, while Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) has a volatility of 6.03%. This indicates that TMFM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TMFM	DBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.64%	6.03%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.01%	16.71%	-0.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.15%	18.85%	+0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	19.29%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.56%	17.80%	+2.76%

TMFM vs. DBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both TMFM and DBC have an expense ratio of 0.85%.

Dividends

TMFM vs. DBC - Dividend Comparison

TMFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than DBC's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	2.61%	3.33%	5.22%	4.94%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	1.59%	1.30%
TMFM Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.07%	0.06%	16.27%	2.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TMFM and DBC in my portfolio?

TMFM and DBC have a correlation of -0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TMFM or DBC?

DBC has higher volatility (6.03%) compared to TMFM (5.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TMFM dropped -31.75% vs DBC's -76.36%.

Which ETF is better, TMFM or DBC?

On 3-year performance, DBC leads with 11.51% vs 2.45% for TMFM. Both ETFs have the same 0.85% expense ratio. On volatility, TMFM has been the lower-risk option at 5.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TMFM or DBC?

Over the 3-year period, DBC has performed better with a 11.51% return vs 2.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TMFM or DBC?

TMFM and DBC have the same expense ratio: 0.85% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TMFM or DBC?

DBC has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.07% for TMFM.

What is the main difference between TMFM and DBC?

TMFM is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while DBC is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Motley Fool and Invesco.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs -0.80), 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.