BLST vs. UPSD

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BLST (Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF) and UPSD (Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BLST is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Bluemonte, while UPSD is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by Aptus. Over the past year, BLST returned 3.32% vs 18.01% for UPSD. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BLST charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for UPSD.

Performance

BLST vs. UPSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLST achieves a 0.34% return, which is significantly lower than UPSD's 8.71% return.

BLST

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -0.08%
• 6M: 0.25%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 1Y: 3.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UPSD

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 3.97%
• 6M: 6.52%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLST vs. UPSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLST Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF	0.34%	2.68%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	8.71%	14.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BLST and UPSD is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2025	0.32

Return for Risk

BLST vs. UPSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLST

BLST Risk / Return Rank: 51
BLST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
BLST Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
BLST Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BLST Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
BLST Martin Ratio Rank: 44

UPSD

UPSD Risk / Return Rank: 42
UPSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
UPSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
UPSD Omega Ratio Rank: 42
UPSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
UPSD Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

BLST vs. UPSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD). 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.

	BLST	UPSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.27	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	1.75	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.23	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	1.52	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.84	5.95	-0.11

BLST vs. UPSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLST Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the UPSD Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLST and UPSD, 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

BLST vs. UPSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLST drawdown since its inception was -1.69%, smaller than the maximum UPSD drawdown of -23.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLST and UPSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLST	UPSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.69%	-23.85%	+22.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.69%	-11.91%	+10.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	0.00%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.39%	-3.78%	+3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.57%	3.03%	-2.46%

Volatility

BLST vs. UPSD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) is 0.77%, while Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) has a volatility of 3.78%. This indicates that BLST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UPSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLST	UPSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	3.78%	-3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.78%	11.03%	-9.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26%	14.29%	-12.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.27%	20.76%	-18.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.27%	20.76%	-18.49%

BLST vs. UPSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLST has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than UPSD's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLST vs. UPSD - Dividend Comparison

BLST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, more than UPSD's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BLST Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF	3.71%	2.11%	0.00%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	0.66%	0.67%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLST and UPSD in my portfolio?

BLST and UPSD have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLST or UPSD?

UPSD has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to BLST (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLST dropped -1.69% vs UPSD's -23.85%.

Which ETF is better, BLST or UPSD?

On 1-year performance, UPSD leads with 18.01% vs 3.32% for BLST. On fees, BLST is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, BLST has been the lower-risk option at 0.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLST or UPSD?

Over the 1-year period, UPSD has performed better with a 18.01% return vs 3.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLST or UPSD?

BLST is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for UPSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLST or UPSD?

BLST has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 0.66% for UPSD.

What is the main difference between BLST and UPSD?

BLST is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while UPSD is Actively Managed. They also come from different issuers: Bluemonte and Aptus. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for BLST and 0.79% for UPSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.27), 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.