BKFI vs. BKSE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BKFI (BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF) and BKSE (BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BKFI is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by BNY Mellon, while BKSE is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Index. BKFI is actively managed, while BKSE is passively managed. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BKFI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for BKSE.

Performance

BKFI vs. BKSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF (BKFI) and BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BKFI

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: -0.45%
• 6M: -0.42%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BKSE

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 2.21%
• 6M: 12.39%
• YTD: 18.53%
• 1Y: 30.73%
• 3Y*: 16.56%
• 5Y*: 8.91%
• 10Y*: —

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

BKFI vs. BKSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BKFI BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF	-0.47%
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	12.13%

Correlation

The correlation between BKFI and BKSE is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2026	0.52

Return for Risk

BKFI vs. BKSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKFI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BKSE

BKSE Risk / Return Rank: 71
BKSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
BKSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
BKSE Omega Ratio Rank: 62
BKSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BKSE Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

BKFI vs. BKSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF (BKFI) and BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE). 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.

	BKFI	BKSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.76	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.58	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.28	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.52	—

Drawdowns

BKFI vs. BKSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKFI drawdown since its inception was -3.08%, smaller than the maximum BKSE drawdown of -29.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKFI and BKSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKFI	BKSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-29.08%	+26.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.40%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.76%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.95%	-1.12%	-0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-8.92%	+7.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.68%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BKFI	BKSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.57%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.14%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.17%	17.57%	-13.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.17%	21.42%	-17.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.17%	22.19%	-18.02%

BKFI vs. BKSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKFI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than BKSE's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKFI vs. BKSE - Dividend Comparison

BKFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than BKSE's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKFI BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	1.21%	1.26%	1.55%	1.38%	1.50%	1.17%	0.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKFI and BKSE in my portfolio?

BKFI and BKSE have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BKFI or BKSE?

On fees, BKSE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKFI or BKSE?

BKSE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BKFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKFI or BKSE?

BKFI has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 1.21% for BKSE.

What is the main difference between BKFI and BKSE?

BKFI is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while BKSE is Small Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BKFI and 0.04% for BKSE.