BFIX vs. NUAG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BFIX (Build Bond Innovation ETF) and NUAG (Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. BFIX is actively managed, while NUAG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BFIX returned 7.75%/yr vs 4.89%/yr for NUAG. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BFIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for NUAG.

Performance

BFIX vs. NUAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) and Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFIX achieves a 1.27% return, which is significantly higher than NUAG's 0.50% return.

BFIX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 1.32%
• 1Y: 4.80%
• 3Y*: 7.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUAG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.32%
• 1Y: 5.90%
• 3Y*: 4.89%
• 5Y*: 0.47%
• 10Y*: —

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

BFIX vs. NUAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	1.27%	5.91%	12.95%	4.97%	-6.82%
NUAG Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.50%	7.37%	2.02%	7.52%	-10.02%

Correlation

The correlation between BFIX and NUAG is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2022	0.48

The correlation between BFIX and NUAG shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.48 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BFIX vs. NUAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFIX

BFIX Risk / Return Rank: 61
BFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
BFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
BFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

NUAG

NUAG Risk / Return Rank: 47
NUAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
NUAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
NUAG Omega Ratio Rank: 47
NUAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
NUAG 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.

BFIX vs. NUAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) and Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG). 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.

	BFIX	NUAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.65	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.48	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.11	2.33	+2.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.39	7.06	+5.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BFIX vs. NUAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the NUAG Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFIX and NUAG, 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

	BFIX	NUAG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	1.65	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.31	+0.54

Drawdowns

BFIX vs. NUAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFIX drawdown since its inception was -8.03%, smaller than the maximum NUAG drawdown of -19.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFIX and NUAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFIX	NUAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.03%	-19.79%	+11.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.94%	-2.54%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.05%	-5.61%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-1.23%	+0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.76%	-4.95%	+2.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.39%	0.84%	-0.45%

Volatility

BFIX vs. NUAG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) is 0.89%, while Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) has a volatility of 1.15%. This indicates that BFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BFIX	NUAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	1.15%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.73%	2.59%	-0.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.90%	3.58%	-0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.77%	6.01%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.77%	5.49%	-0.72%

BFIX vs. NUAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than NUAG's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFIX vs. NUAG - Dividend Comparison

BFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, less than NUAG's 4.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	3.52%	3.73%	4.38%	4.30%	1.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUAG Nuveen Enhanced Yield U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	4.50%	4.43%	4.44%	3.95%	3.60%	2.27%	2.93%	3.54%	3.79%	3.38%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFIX and NUAG in my portfolio?

BFIX and NUAG have a correlation of 0.38, 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 NUAG?

NUAG has higher volatility (1.15%) compared to BFIX (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFIX dropped -8.03% vs NUAG's -19.79%.

Which ETF is better, BFIX or NUAG?

On 3-year performance, BFIX leads with 7.75% vs 4.89% for NUAG. On fees, NUAG is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, BFIX has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BFIX or NUAG?

Over the 3-year period, BFIX has performed better with a 7.75% return vs 4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFIX or NUAG?

NUAG is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for BFIX.

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

NUAG has the higher dividend yield at 4.50%, compared with 3.52% for BFIX.

What is the main difference between BFIX and NUAG?

They also come from different issuers: Build and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BFIX and 0.19% for NUAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.65), 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.