Keep tabs on your favorite ETFs with a personalized weekly tracker. Create a Watchlist now →
FSGSvsFADETF Comparison
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FAD) belong to the same industry segment: US Multi-Factor. FSGS's top 3 sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. In contrast, FAD's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Health Care. FSGS is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.61%, versus 0.63% for FAD. FSGS is down -3.85% year-to-date (YTD) with +$2M in YTD flows. FAD performs better with -1.56% YTD performance, and +$26M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of FSGS and FAD below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
FSGS vs FAD performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FSGS FAD | -2.75%-3.73% | -5.80%-2.76% | -3.85%-1.56% | +8.38%+24.29% | +19.37%+71.68% | +7.54%+46.99% |
| Flows | FSGS FAD | -+$154K | -$1M+$26M | +$2M+$26M | -$2M+$118M | -$3M+$115M | +$17M+$94M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | FSGS FAD | +14.89%+18.42% | +19.81%+22.20% | +19.28%+18.89% | +20.34%+21.05% |
| Max drawdown | FSGS FAD | -8.79%-7.09% | -12.54%-15.03% | -23.71%-23.51% | -23.71%-31.99% |
| Max drawdown duration | FSGS FAD | 49d49d | 38d45d | 472d230d | 472d967d |
FSGS | FAD | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $29.30 | $158.65 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $29.24 | $159.18 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
FSGS | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
FSGS | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $29.30 | $158.65 |
| 1D performance | +0.19% | -0.33% |
| AuM | $27.80 M | $390.17 M |
| E/R | 0.61% | 0.63% |
FSGS | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | First Trust | First Trust |
| Benchmark | The SMID Growth Strength Index | NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index |
| N° of holdings | 99 | 609 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | June 20, 2017 | May 8, 2007 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the FSGS and FAD ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, FSGS is down -3.85% year-to-date (YTD), while FAD has lost -1.56%. That puts FAD better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: FSGS or FAD?
Year-to-date, the FSGS ETF saw +$2M in flows, compared to +$26M for FAD.
Which ETF is more volatile: FSGS or FAD?
Over the past year, FSGS had a volatility of 19.81%, while FAD experienced 22.2%.
Which ETF is bigger: FSGS or FAD?
As of March 12, 2026, FSGS holds $27.80 M in assets under management (AUM), while FAD manages $390.17 M.
What sectors do the FSGS and FAD ETFs invest in?
FSGS leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, FAD focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Health Care.
What are the top holdings of the FSGS ETF and FAD ETF?
FSGS top holdings include STRIDE INC, DECKERS OUTDOOR and CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS. FAD holds in its top three: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS PLC, KYG3730V1059 and US5128073062.
Which ETF is more diversified: FSGS or FAD?
FSGS holds 99 securities with 16.56% of its assets in the top 15. FAD has 673 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.85%.
Active Trader Report: Use of Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Way Up
Direxion partnered with Compound Insights and Vanda to explore what’s driving the evolution of active trading — and how active traders are using leveraged and inverse funds across equities, single stocks, commodities, and volatility.
