FDMO VS MTUM
5 min read
By Beqa Bumbeishvili, ETF Insider

FDMO VS MTUM

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity over the years as a means for investors to diversify their portfolios without owning a plethora of individual stocks. Among them, the FDMO (Fidelity Momentum Factor ETF) and MTUM (iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF) have gained attention. Both focus on momentum as an investment strategy, but what sets them apart?

FDMO VS MTUM: Sectors and Top Holdings

Diving into the sectors they target, we can discern their specific preferences and leanings. FDMO, as managed by Fidelity, aims to reproduce the performance of large- and mid-capitalization stocks displaying positive momentum signals. Its top sectors historically have been Information Technology, Health Care, and Consumer Discretionary.
MTUM, on the other hand, managed by BlackRock, zeroes in on stocks from the MSCI USA Index that exhibit high momentum characteristics. Its prominent sectors have typically been Information Technology, Health Care, and Financials. Notably, both ETFs have a significant position in the tech sector, a testament to the innovation-driven momentum present in this space.
While there are overlaps in their top holdings, with tech giants often being present in both, the specific weightage and stock line-up can vary depending on market conditions and momentum metrics.

FDMO overlap FDMO VS MTUMFDMO overlap FDMO VS MTUM

FDMO VS MTUM: Capitalization Strategy

In terms of capitalization strategy, the two have distinct approaches. FDMO leans towards a blend of large and mid-cap stocks, aiming to capitalize on the stability of larger firms while tapping into the growth potential of mid-caps. This strategy can be effective in times of economic growth where mid-cap companies often present significant upside.
MTUM, meanwhile, tends to have a heavier weight on larger caps. Larger caps, traditionally seen as safer bets during market downturns, have the financial muscle to weather economic storms, making them less volatile in times of market uncertainty. The focus on larger caps means that MTUM might be slightly more conservative in its approach compared to FDMO.

FDMO VS MTUM: Tracking and Exposure

Both FDMO and MTUM aim to track momentum-based indexes, but their exposure can differ. The FDMO focuses on the Fidelity Momentum Factor Index, giving investors exposure to stocks that display positive momentum. The methodology involves looking at factors like stock price changes over various periods and financial metrics like earnings growth.
MTUM, as it tracks the MSCI USA Momentum Index, provides exposure to approximately 100-150 stocks, emphasizing those with strong recent performance. MTUM’s methodology involves looking at price appreciation over 6 to 12 months combined with short-term reversal biases.
It's essential to note that while both ETFs share the goal of capitalizing on momentum, their tracking strategy means that they can perform differently under similar market conditions. As always, past performance is not indicative of future results, and individual investor goals should guide any investment decisions.

Conclusion

In the FDMO VS MTUM debate, there isn't a clear winner; instead, it boils down to individual investment strategies and goals. If an investor is leaning towards a mix of stability and growth, with a keen eye on large and mid-cap stocks, FDMO might be the preferable option. However, those who favor a more conservative, large-cap-centric approach might find MTUM more to their liking.
Regardless of the choice, it’s crucial to understand that momentum as a strategy involves riding the waves of stocks or sectors currently performing well. This can lead to significant gains, but as with all strategies, it comes with its set of risks. Always do your research, consult with financial professionals, and ensure that any investment aligns with your overall financial goals.

<b>Sources</b>

  1. Fidelity. (2020). Fidelity Momentum Factor ETF (FDMO).
  2. BlackRock. (2020). iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM).
  3. MSCI. (2020). MSCI USA Momentum Index.

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