BFIX vs. NPFI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BFIX (Build Bond Innovation ETF) and NPFI (Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BFIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Build, while NPFI is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund actively managed by Nuveen. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BFIX returned 3.99% vs 7.29% for NPFI. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BFIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for NPFI.

Performance

BFIX vs. NPFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) and Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF (NPFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFIX achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly lower than NPFI's 1.79% return.

BFIX

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -0.33%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 0.46%
• 1Y: 3.99%
• 3Y*: 7.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NPFI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.79%
• 6M: 1.93%
• 1Y: 7.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BFIX vs. NPFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	0.79%	5.91%	11.32%
NPFI Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF	1.79%	9.21%	6.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BFIX and NPFI is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2024	0.26

Return for Risk

BFIX vs. NPFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFIX

BFIX Risk / Return Rank: 53
BFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
BFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
BFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
BFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
BFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

NPFI

NPFI Risk / Return Rank: 74
NPFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
NPFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
NPFI Omega Ratio Rank: 91
NPFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
NPFI Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

BFIX vs. NPFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) and Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF (NPFI). 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.

	BFIX	NPFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	2.48	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.81	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.57	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	2.30	+1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	11.08	-1.48

BFIX vs. NPFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is lower than the NPFI Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFIX and NPFI, 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

BFIX vs. NPFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFIX drawdown since its inception was -8.54%, which is greater than NPFI's maximum drawdown of -3.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFIX and NPFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFIX	NPFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-3.18%	-5.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.94%	-3.18%	+2.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.08%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-0.33%	-2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.42%	0.66%	-0.24%

Volatility

BFIX vs. NPFI - Volatility Comparison

Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) and Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF (NPFI) have volatilities of 0.62% and 0.64%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BFIX	NPFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.62%	0.64%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.72%	2.56%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.86%	2.95%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.76%	2.94%	+1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.76%	2.94%	+1.82%

BFIX vs. NPFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than NPFI's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFIX vs. NPFI - Dividend Comparison

BFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, less than NPFI's 6.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	3.54%	3.73%	4.38%	4.30%	1.58%
NPFI Nuveen Preferred And Income ETF	6.40%	6.33%	5.10%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFIX and NPFI in my portfolio?

BFIX and NPFI have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BFIX or NPFI?

NPFI has higher volatility (0.64%) compared to BFIX (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFIX dropped -8.54% vs NPFI's -3.18%.

Which ETF is better, BFIX or NPFI?

On 1-year performance, NPFI leads with 7.29% vs 3.99% for BFIX. On fees, BFIX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BFIX or NPFI?

Over the 1-year period, NPFI has performed better with a 7.29% return vs 3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFIX or NPFI?

BFIX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for NPFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BFIX or NPFI?

NPFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.40%, compared with 3.54% for BFIX.

What is the main difference between BFIX and NPFI?

BFIX is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while NPFI is Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Build and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BFIX and 0.55% for NPFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NPFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.40), 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.