Verified factor-similar pair

FIW vs ISMD

These two ETFs meet the same FF6 US comparison criteria: US-listed equity ETFs, the same USD model basis, at least one material non-market factor, and 100% overlap in statistically significant material factor exposure.

SMB
Similarity score
81
Verified similar

The score combines exposure-level distance, factor-vector shape, market-beta closeness, and a small backtested relative-Sharpe term.

Quick Read

  • FIW has the higher backtested relative Sharpe (0.951 vs 0.918).
  • FIW has the lower published fee (0.51% vs 0.59%).
  • FIW is cheaper on dividend valuation (99 vs 116, where 100 is each fund's historical median).
  • ISMD has the stronger regression fit (adjusted R-squared 0.962 vs 0.827).

These are screening signals, not a complete review of portfolio construction, turnover, taxes, or trading quality.

FIW

First Trust Water ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.827
Rel. Sharpe
0.951
Mkt beta
0.96
AUM
US$1.8B
MER
0.51%
Valuation
99

ISMD

Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF
SMB
Adj. R2
0.962
Rel. Sharpe
0.918
Mkt beta
0.98
AUM
US$275M
MER
0.59%
Valuation
116

Factor Exposure Match

Blue bars compare raw factor beta magnitude. Green bars compare absolute t-stat strength. Dim bars indicate the t-stat is below 1.96.

SMB
FIW
+0.53
|t|
+8.0
ISMD
+0.83
|t|
+16.9
diff -0.30
HML
FIW
-0.07
|t|
-1.0
ISMD
+0.20
|t|
+4.6
diff -0.26
RMW
FIW
+0.22
|t|
+2.8
ISMD
-0.00
|t|
-0.1
diff +0.22
CMA
FIW
+0.10
|t|
+1.0
ISMD
+0.11
|t|
+1.8
diff -0.02
UMD
FIW
-0.00
|t|
-0.0
ISMD
+0.00
|t|
+0.0
diff -0.00

Why This Pair Matches

Exposure level
77
Exposure shape
93
Mkt beta diff
0.01
Rel. Sharpe diff
0.033

This comparison focuses on measured factor exposure. It does not compare holdings methodology, turnover, tax handling, or issuer process. Backtested relative Sharpe is a secondary signal rather than a stand-alone forecast. See methodology.

FIW fund page ISMD fund page US ETF Leaders US Universe
Important context

VerifiedBeta publishes educational ETF research, not personalized investment advice, portfolio management, or security recommendations. Funds that screen well here can still be unsuitable for your objectives, taxes, liquidity needs, or constraints. Review fund documents, methodology assumptions, and your own circumstances before acting. See the full disclaimer.