TPSC vs. FDM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TPSC (Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - TPSC tracks the Victory U.S. Small Cap Volatility Weighted BRI while FDM tracks the Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, TPSC returned 7.07%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for FDM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TPSC charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FDM.

Performance

TPSC vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF (TPSC) 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, TPSC achieves a 9.32% return, which is significantly higher than FDM's 7.48% return.

TPSC

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 9.32%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 20.18%
• 3Y*: 14.55%
• 5Y*: 7.07%
• 10Y*: —

FDM

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -2.89%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 6M: 7.77%
• 1Y: 27.59%
• 3Y*: 18.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

TPSC vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
TPSC Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF	9.32%	7.34%	11.50%	17.64%	-13.46%	29.74%	10.27%	3.39%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	7.48%	18.64%	13.00%	12.76%	-11.61%	35.08%	-4.04%	7.40%

Correlation

The correlation between TPSC and FDM is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.93

The correlation between TPSC and FDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

TPSC vs. FDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TPSC	FDM
Financial Services	24.0%	41.2%
Industrials	18.5%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	10.0%
Technology	12.4%	6.2%
Healthcare	7.0%	6.2%
Utilities	6.8%	1.0%
Energy	5.9%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	4.7%
Basic Materials	5.2%	4.2%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.4%
Communication Services	0.6%	3.7%

Return for Risk

TPSC vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPSC

TPSC Risk / Return Rank: 40
TPSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
TPSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
TPSC Omega Ratio Rank: 34
TPSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
TPSC Martin Ratio Rank: 45

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 47
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FDM Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

TPSC vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF (TPSC) 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.

	TPSC	FDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.47	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.18	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.26	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	2.98	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.35	9.04	-1.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TPSC vs. FDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TPSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the FDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TPSC and FDM, 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

	TPSC	FDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29	1.47	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.39	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.34	+0.11

Drawdowns

TPSC vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPSC drawdown since its inception was -41.79%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPSC and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPSC	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.79%	-63.45%	+21.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.95%	-9.30%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.44%	-23.47%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.63%	-23.74%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-4.31%	+2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-11.35%	+2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	3.06%	-0.31%

Volatility

TPSC vs. FDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF (TPSC) is 3.96%, while First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) has a volatility of 4.50%. This indicates that TPSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TPSC	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	4.50%	-0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.59%	13.22%	-2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.80%	18.90%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.90%	21.39%	-1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.47%	23.36%	+1.11%

TPSC vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPSC has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is lower than FDM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPSC vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

TPSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than FDM's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.28%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
TPSC Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF	1.02%	1.07%	0.97%	1.06%	1.07%	1.12%	1.13%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TPSC and FDM in my portfolio?

TPSC and FDM have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TPSC or FDM?

FDM has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to TPSC (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TPSC dropped -41.79% vs FDM's -63.45%.

Which ETF is better, TPSC or FDM?

On 5-year performance, FDM leads with 8.37% vs 7.07% for TPSC. On fees, TPSC is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, TPSC has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TPSC or FDM?

Over the 5-year period, FDM has performed better with a 8.37% return vs 7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TPSC or FDM?

TPSC is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FDM.

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

FDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 1.02% for TPSC.

What is the main difference between TPSC and FDM?

TPSC tracks Victory U.S. Small Cap Volatility Weighted BRI, while FDM tracks Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Timothy Plan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for TPSC and 0.60% for FDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.29), 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.