ABXB vs. FIAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ABXB (Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF) and FIAX (Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. ABXB is passively managed, while FIAX is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ABXB returned 6.41%/yr vs 3.47%/yr for FIAX. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ABXB charges 0.62%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for FIAX.

Performance

ABXB vs. FIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABXB achieves a 0.19% return, which is significantly lower than FIAX's 1.22% return.

ABXB

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 5.34%
• 3Y*: 6.41%
• 5Y*: 1.12%
• 10Y*: —

FIAX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 3.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ABXB vs. FIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ABXB Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF	0.19%	8.73%	4.69%	7.79%	-2.50%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	1.22%	2.33%	4.67%	3.44%	-0.30%

Correlation

The correlation between ABXB and FIAX is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2022	0.42

The correlation between ABXB and FIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (all time) to 0.55 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ABXB vs. FIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ABXB

ABXB Risk / Return Rank: 41
ABXB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
ABXB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
ABXB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
ABXB Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ABXB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FIAX

FIAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
FIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. FIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). 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.

	ABXB	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.13	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.67	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.21	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.56	1.95	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.28	7.11	-1.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ABXB vs. FIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ABXB Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is higher than the FIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ABXB and FIAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ABXB	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	1.13	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.81	-0.56

Drawdowns

ABXB vs. FIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABXB drawdown since its inception was -16.96%, which is greater than FIAX's maximum drawdown of -6.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABXB and FIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABXB	FIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.96%	-6.26%	-10.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.43%	-2.40%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.81%	-6.26%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.60%	-0.32%	-1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-0.85%	-4.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.66%	+0.35%

Volatility

ABXB vs. FIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF (ABXB) is 0.98%, while Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) has a volatility of 1.43%. This indicates that ABXB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ABXB	FIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.98%	1.43%	-0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.74%	3.40%	-0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.48%	4.14%	-0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.59%	4.05%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.44%	4.05%	+1.39%

ABXB vs. FIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABXB has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than FIAX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

ABXB vs. FIAX - Dividend Comparison

ABXB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.20%, less than FIAX's 8.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ABXB Abacus Flexible Bond Leaders ETF	5.20%	5.50%	15.35%	4.79%	3.18%	3.40%	0.37%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	8.19%	8.17%	8.11%	4.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABXB and FIAX in my portfolio?

ABXB and FIAX have a correlation of 0.55, 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 FIAX?

FIAX has higher volatility (1.43%) compared to ABXB (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ABXB dropped -16.96% vs FIAX's -6.26%.

Which ETF is better, ABXB or FIAX?

On 3-year performance, ABXB leads with 6.41% vs 3.47% for FIAX. On fees, ABXB is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, ABXB has been the lower-risk option at 0.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ABXB or FIAX?

Over the 3-year period, ABXB has performed better with a 6.41% return vs 3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ABXB or FIAX?

ABXB is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for FIAX.

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

FIAX has the higher dividend yield at 8.19%, compared with 5.20% for ABXB.

What is the main difference between ABXB and FIAX?

They also come from different issuers: Abacus and Nicholas. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for ABXB and 1.04% for FIAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ABXB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.13), 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.