The Data Science Disconnect: High Performance With Low Assets

Many investors know the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ A+) for its options strategy. However, its underlying performance relies heavily on an engine that gets far less spotlight. J.P. Morgan’s proprietary Fundamental Data Science framework integrates research, data insights, and risk management to identify companies offering attractive risk-adjusted value.Key Takeaways JEPQ has become one of the fastest-growing active ETFs, now with over $41 billion in total assets. Utilizing J.P. Morgan’s proprietary Fundamental Data Science framework alongside an options overlay, the fund delivers high monthly distributions with capital appreciation. LCDS, MCDS, and SCDS apply the same data science-driven framework found in JEPQ, without the options overlay. The funds have generated strong returns in 2026, outperforming their respective broad-market benchmarks. Despite delivering impressive returns that exceed broad-market benchmarks, LCDS, MCDS, and SCDS remain largely overlooked. Collectively, these funds hold less than $35 million in assets compared to the $41 billion commanded by JEPQ. Inside the JEPQ MomentumSince its inception in 2022, JEPQ has become one of the fastest-growing active ETFs in history. The fund provides exposure to large-cap growth and technology stocks primarily in the Nasdaq-100 Index. This is combined with an options overlay to generate additional income. The strategy consistently offers a double-digit dividend yield with monthly distributions on top of a 9.35% year-to-date return. JEPQ has quickly scaled to over $41 billion in assets under management and has received $7.82 billion in new assets year to date, as of August 7.Beyond JEPQ: The Fundamental Data Science LineupThe JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF (LCDS B-) applies the same underlying data science methodology to large-cap stocks without the options overlay. With an expense ratio of 30 basis points, LCDS has gained 13.79% in 2026, as of August 7. This return exceeds large-cap broad-market benchmarks such as the S&P 500, which has returned 12.89% over the same period. With approximately 115 holdings, the fund’s top allocations include Nvidia (NVDA) at an 8.47% weight and Apple (AAPL) at a 6.86% weight. Similarly, the JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS B-) has captured strong returns through the fund’s data science approach. MCDS has returned 17.69% year to date through active exposure to U.S. mid-cap companies. With an expense ratio of 35 basis points, the fund has outperformed broad mid-cap benchmarks such as the Russell Midcap Index. The broad market benchmark has climbed 16.05% so far in 2026. Across over 200 constituents, MCDS’s top holdings include Marathon Petroleum (MPC) accounting for 1.25% of total assets and Hewlett Packard (HPE) at 1.21%. Turning to small-caps, the JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Small Core ETF (SCDS B-) provides targeted exposure to the U.S. small-cap sector. With an expense ratio of 40 basis points, SCDS has delivered a year-to-date return of 28.31%. The strategy has outperformed broad market small-cap benchmarks such as the Russell 2000 Index, which has returned 20.86% over the same period. With 275 small-cap constituents, top holdings include Chefs’ Warehouse (CHEF) at a 1.04% allocation and Ryman Hospitality Properties (RHP) at 1.00%.The Data Science Growth ParadoxDespite delivering impressive year-to-date returns that beat their respective benchmarks, LCDS, MCDS, and SCDS face a striking growth paradox. While JEPQ commands over $41 billion in assets, its pure data science counterparts hold less than $35 million combined and have attracted virtually no inflows in 2026. LCDS has $16.7 million in assets, while MCDS and SCDS command only $8.3 million and $9.3 million in assets, respectively as of August 7. Given JPMorgan’s distribution capabilities, these under the radar ETFs have room for asset growth. For more news, information, and strategy, visit ETFdb.