ABXB vs. ABLS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ABXB (Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF) and ABLS (Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ABXB is a Nontraditional Bonds fund tracking the Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders Index, while ABLS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ABXB returned 4.60% vs 8.13% for ABLS. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ABXB charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ABLS.

Performance

ABXB vs. ABLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) and Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABXB achieves a 0.33% return, which is significantly lower than ABLS's 10.87% return.

ABXB

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 0.33%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: 6.59%
• 5Y*: 1.00%
• 10Y*: —

ABLS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 7.81%
• YTD: 10.87%
• 6M: 8.32%
• 1Y: 8.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ABXB vs. ABLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ABXB Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF	0.33%	7.82%
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	10.87%	-8.72%

Correlation

The correlation between ABXB and ABLS is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

ABXB vs. ABLS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ABXB

ABXB Risk / Return Rank: 35
ABXB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ABXB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ABXB Omega Ratio Rank: 38
ABXB Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ABXB Martin Ratio Rank: 32

ABLS

ABLS Risk / Return Rank: 15
ABLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
ABLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
ABLS Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ABLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ABLS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ABXB vs. ABLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) and Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ABXB	ABLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.46	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	0.78	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.09	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	0.50	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.29	1.40	+2.89

ABXB vs. ABLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ABXB Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the ABLS Sharpe Ratio of 0.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ABXB and ABLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ABXB vs. ABLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABXB drawdown since its inception was -16.96%, smaller than the maximum ABLS drawdown of -19.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABXB and ABLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABXB	ABLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.96%	-19.28%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.43%	-16.19%	+12.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-0.14%	-1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.69%	-8.18%	+2.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	5.81%	-4.74%

Volatility

ABXB vs. ABLS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) is 1.35%, while Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) has a volatility of 4.63%. This indicates that ABXB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ABLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ABXB	ABLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.35%	4.63%	-3.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	13.10%	-10.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64%	17.72%	-14.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.61%	21.17%	-15.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.44%	21.17%	-15.73%

ABXB vs. ABLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABXB has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than ABLS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

ABXB vs. ABLS - Dividend Comparison

ABXB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.19%, less than ABLS's 12.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	12.68%	14.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ABXB Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF	5.19%	5.50%	15.35%	4.79%	3.18%	3.40%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABXB and ABLS in my portfolio?

ABXB and ABLS have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ABXB or ABLS?

ABLS has higher volatility (4.63%) compared to ABXB (1.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ABXB dropped -16.96% vs ABLS's -19.28%.

Which ETF is better, ABXB or ABLS?

On 1-year performance, ABLS leads with 8.13% vs 4.60% for ABXB. On fees, ABLS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, ABXB has been the lower-risk option at 1.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ABXB or ABLS?

Over the 1-year period, ABLS has performed better with a 8.13% return vs 4.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ABXB or ABLS?

ABLS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for ABXB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ABXB or ABLS?

ABLS has the higher dividend yield at 12.68%, compared with 5.19% for ABXB.

What is the main difference between ABXB and ABLS?

ABXB is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while ABLS is Small Cap Blend Equities. ABXB tracks Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders Index, while ABLS tracks Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for ABXB and 0.39% for ABLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ABXB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.