TMFM vs. FAD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TMFM (Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. TMFM is actively managed, while FAD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TMFM returned 3.39%/yr vs 24.16%/yr for FAD. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TMFM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FAD.

Performance

TMFM vs. FAD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TMFM achieves a -9.50% return, which is significantly lower than FAD's 17.25% return.

TMFM

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: 2.81%
• YTD: -9.50%
• 6M: -11.03%
• 1Y: -18.27%
• 3Y*: 3.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAD

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 6.70%
• YTD: 17.25%
• 6M: 17.16%
• 1Y: 34.52%
• 3Y*: 24.16%
• 5Y*: 11.25%
• 10Y*: 14.53%

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

TMFM vs. FAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TMFM Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF	-9.50%	-8.98%	17.54%	21.81%	-27.36%	2.08%
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	17.25%	17.23%	23.85%	19.07%	-24.06%	3.50%

Correlation

The correlation between TMFM and FAD is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2021	0.81

Over the past year, the correlation between TMFM and FAD has dropped to 0.57 - well below their long-term average of 0.81, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

TMFM vs. FAD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TMFM	FAD
Technology	28.5%	24.1%
Healthcare	23.9%	15.4%
Industrials	21.4%	26.1%
Financial Services	14.0%	8.0%
Real Estate	5.1%	4.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	10.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	2.4%
Basic Materials	-	3.0%
Communication Services	-	3.1%
Energy	-	1.6%
Utilities	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

TMFM vs. FAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMFM

TMFM Risk / Return Rank: 2
TMFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
TMFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
TMFM Omega Ratio Rank: 2
TMFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
TMFM Martin Ratio Rank: 3

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 59
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 51
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. FAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). 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.

	TMFM	FAD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	1.88	-2.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.38	2.59	-3.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	1.32	-0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.67	3.25	-3.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.25	12.54	-13.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TMFM vs. FAD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TMFM Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the FAD Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TMFM and FAD, 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

	TMFM	FAD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.98	1.88	-2.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.14	0.50	-0.65

Drawdowns

TMFM vs. FAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMFM drawdown since its inception was -31.75%, smaller than the maximum FAD drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMFM and FAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMFM	FAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.75%	-54.33%	+22.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.34%	-10.66%	-16.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.75%	-23.55%	-8.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.99%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.35%	-0.15%	-26.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.85%	-9.64%	-6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.65%	2.76%	+11.89%

Volatility

TMFM vs. FAD - Volatility Comparison

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM) has a higher volatility of 7.99% compared to First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) at 6.01%. This indicates that TMFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TMFM	FAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.99%	6.01%	+1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.54%	14.14%	+1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.76%	18.50%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.63%	20.53%	+0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.63%	21.18%	-0.55%

TMFM vs. FAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

TMFM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FAD's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

TMFM vs. FAD - Dividend Comparison

TMFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than FAD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.09%	0.09%	0.59%	0.51%	0.60%	0.09%	0.32%	0.48%	0.20%	0.22%	0.64%	0.41%
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%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TMFM and FAD in my portfolio?

TMFM and FAD have a correlation of 0.57, 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 FAD?

TMFM has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to FAD (6.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TMFM dropped -31.75% vs FAD's -54.33%.

Which ETF is better, TMFM or FAD?

On 3-year performance, FAD leads with 24.16% vs 3.39% for TMFM. On fees, FAD is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, FAD has been the lower-risk option at 6.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TMFM or FAD?

Over the 3-year period, FAD has performed better with a 24.16% return vs 3.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TMFM or FAD?

FAD is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for TMFM.

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

FAD has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.07% for TMFM.

What is the main difference between TMFM and FAD?

They also come from different issuers: Motley Fool and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for TMFM and 0.63% for FAD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs -0.98), 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.