AFSM vs NTKI
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF vs Nationwide Russell 2000 Risk-Managed Income ETF
Which is better, AFSM or NTKI?
AFSM has been ahead.
NTKI has a lower expense ratio. AFSM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSM | NTKI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.70%Best |
| AUM | $130M | $12M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 6.01% |
| Holdings | 657 | 13 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 11.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.0% | -19.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $11,773Best | $8,811 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Nationwide |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Dec 16, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 712 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. AFSM has data through Oct 14, 2026 and NTKI through Nov 1, 2024.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 17, 2021 to Nov 1, 2024 (2.9 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 11.2% for NTKI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.0% for AFSM and -19.9% for NTKI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSM charges 0.75% per year while NTKI charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $70 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSM currently yields 0.52% against 6.01% for NTKI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AFSM and NTKI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSM or NTKI?
AFSM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while NTKI charges 0.70%. NTKI is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, AFSM or NTKI?
AFSM has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 11.2% for NTKI. Worst drawdown: AFSM -26.0% vs NTKI -19.9%.
Should I hold both AFSM and NTKI?
AFSM and NTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSM or NTKI?
AFSM yields 0.52% while NTKI yields 6.01%, so NTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NTKI better than AFSM?
NTKI has a lower expense ratio. AFSM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.