MDEV vs MRAD
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF vs SmartETFs Advertising and Marketing Technology ETF
Which is better, MDEV or MRAD?
Each has led over a different period.
MRAD has a lower expense ratio. MDEV led over the full window, MRAD over 1Y.
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 | MDEV | MRAD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.68%Best |
| AUM | $3M | $771,986.96 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 53 | 31 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6%Best | 23.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -42.3%Best | -62.8% |
| $10,000 over 3.4 years | $8,487Best | $5,454 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | SmartETFs |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | All Cap Blend | All Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 |
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. MDEV has data through Oct 14, 2026 and MRAD through Nov 1, 2024.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 23, 2021 to Nov 1, 2024 (3.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MRAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% compared with 21.6% for MDEV. 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 -42.3% for MDEV and -62.8% for MRAD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDEV charges 0.70% per year while MRAD charges 0.68%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $68 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDEV currently yields 0.10% against 0.00% for MRAD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MDEV and MRAD 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, MDEV or MRAD?
MDEV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while MRAD charges 0.68%. MRAD is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MDEV or MRAD?
MRAD has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 21.6% for MDEV. Worst drawdown: MDEV -42.3% vs MRAD -62.8%.
Should I hold both MDEV and MRAD?
MDEV and MRAD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, 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, MDEV or MRAD?
MDEV yields 0.10% while MRAD yields 0.00%, so MDEV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MRAD better than MDEV?
MRAD has a lower expense ratio. MDEV led over the full window, MRAD over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.