APLU vs. FAAR

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

APLU (Allspring Core Plus ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - APLU is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Allspring, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, APLU returned 2.09% vs 20.01% for FAAR. Their -0.18 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. APLU charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

APLU vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APLU achieves a -0.41% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 14.32% return.

APLU

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: -1.03%
• 6M: -0.69%
• YTD: -0.41%
• 1Y: 2.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 3.01%

FAAR

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -2.21%
• 6M: 6.89%
• YTD: 14.32%
• 1Y: 20.01%
• 3Y*: 8.41%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 4.20%
• ALL TIME*: 4.09%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	$2.31M	$1.38M	$1.31M
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	$1.39M	$1.09M	$1.71M

APLU vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	-0.41%	7.38%	-1.76%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	14.32%	8.07%	1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between APLU and FAAR is -0.26, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2024	-0.18

Return for Risk

APLU vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

APLU

APLU Risk / Return Rank: 22
APLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
APLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
APLU Omega Ratio Rank: 20
APLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
APLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 60
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 50

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

APLU vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	APLU	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	1.58	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	2.31	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.28	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.74	2.00	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.88	6.00	-4.11

APLU vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APLU Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APLU and FAAR, 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

APLU vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APLU drawdown since its inception was -3.24%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APLU and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	APLU	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-18.03%	+14.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.84%	-10.08%	+7.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.16%	-10.08%	+7.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-7.83%	+6.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.11%	3.35%	-2.24%

Volatility

APLU vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) is 1.29%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.52%. This indicates that APLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APLU	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.29%	2.52%	-1.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.17%	9.47%	-6.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.99%	12.76%	-8.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.00%	11.89%	-6.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.00%	11.55%	-6.55%

APLU vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

APLU has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

APLU vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

APLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.54%, less than FAAR's 10.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	5.54%	5.13%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	10.01%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APLU and FAAR in my portfolio?

APLU and FAAR have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, APLU or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.52%) compared to APLU (1.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APLU dropped -3.24% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, APLU or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 20.01% vs 2.09% for APLU. On fees, APLU is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, APLU has been the lower-risk option at 1.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, APLU or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 20.01% return vs 2.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, APLU or FAAR?

APLU is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APLU or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 10.01%, compared with 5.54% for APLU.

What is the main difference between APLU and FAAR?

APLU is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Allspring and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for APLU and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 0.53), 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.