BNDS vs. NCPB

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BNDS (Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF) and NCPB (Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BNDS returned 10.82% vs 5.77% for NCPB. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BNDS charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for NCPB.

Performance

BNDS vs. NCPB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (BNDS) and Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDS achieves a 4.40% return, which is significantly higher than NCPB's 1.44% return.

BNDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 4.40%
• 6M: 4.47%
• 1Y: 10.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NCPB

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: 5.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BNDS vs. NCPB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNDS Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF	4.40%	8.45%
NCPB Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF	1.44%	8.75%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDS and NCPB is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2025	0.52

The correlation between BNDS and NCPB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BNDS vs. NCPB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNDS

BNDS Risk / Return Rank: 88
BNDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
BNDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BNDS Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BNDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
BNDS Martin Ratio Rank: 82

NCPB

NCPB Risk / Return Rank: 50
NCPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
NCPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
NCPB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NCPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
NCPB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

BNDS vs. NCPB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (BNDS) and Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB). 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.

	BNDS	NCPB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.12	1.65	+1.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.56	2.45	+2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.65	1.30	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	2.01	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.50	6.10	+8.40

BNDS vs. NCPB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDS Sharpe Ratio is 3.12, which is higher than the NCPB Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDS and NCPB, 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

BNDS vs. NCPB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDS drawdown since its inception was -6.96%, which is greater than NCPB's maximum drawdown of -3.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDS and NCPB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDS	NCPB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.96%	-3.59%	-3.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.45%	-2.88%	-0.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.41%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-0.93%	+0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	0.95%	-0.20%

Volatility

BNDS vs. NCPB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (BNDS) is 0.74%, while Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) has a volatility of 0.99%. This indicates that BNDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NCPB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDS	NCPB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.74%	0.99%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.73%	2.73%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.49%	3.52%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.19%	4.33%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.19%	4.33%	+0.86%

BNDS vs. NCPB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDS has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than NCPB's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNDS vs. NCPB - Dividend Comparison

BNDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.96%, more than NCPB's 5.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BNDS Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF	7.96%	7.98%	0.00%
NCPB Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF	5.17%	5.21%	5.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDS and NCPB in my portfolio?

BNDS and NCPB have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNDS or NCPB?

NCPB has higher volatility (0.99%) compared to BNDS (0.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDS dropped -6.96% vs NCPB's -3.59%.

Which ETF is better, BNDS or NCPB?

On 1-year performance, BNDS leads with 10.82% vs 5.77% for NCPB. On fees, NCPB is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, BNDS has been the lower-risk option at 0.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNDS or NCPB?

Over the 1-year period, BNDS has performed better with a 10.82% return vs 5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNDS or NCPB?

NCPB is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.81% for BNDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNDS or NCPB?

BNDS has the higher dividend yield at 7.96%, compared with 5.17% for NCPB.

What is the main difference between BNDS and NCPB?

They also come from different issuers: InfraCap and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.81% for BNDS and 0.30% for NCPB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BNDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 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.