BUXX vs. ULST

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

BUXX (Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF) and ULST (State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. BUXX is actively managed, while ULST is passively managed. Over the past year, BUXX returned 4.35% vs 3.90% for ULST. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUXX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for ULST.

Performance

BUXX vs. ULST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF (ULST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUXX achieves a 1.61% return, which is significantly higher than ULST's 1.25% return.

BUXX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 4.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ULST

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 1.25%
• 6M: 1.59%
• 1Y: 3.90%
• 3Y*: 4.93%
• 5Y*: 3.52%
• 10Y*: 2.69%

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

BUXX vs. ULST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUXX Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF	1.61%	4.84%	6.18%	2.89%
ULST State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF	1.25%	4.80%	5.23%	2.51%

Correlation

The correlation between BUXX and ULST 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 Aug 11, 2023	0.34

Return for Risk

BUXX vs. ULST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUXX

BUXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
BUXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
BUXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
BUXX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
BUXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
BUXX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

ULST

ULST Risk / Return Rank: 99
ULST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
ULST Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
ULST Omega Ratio Rank: 99
ULST Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ULST Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

BUXX vs. ULST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF (ULST). 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.

	BUXX	ULST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.60	5.97	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.09	11.88	-5.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.87	2.70	-0.83
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	14.85	16.53	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	61.16	86.12	-24.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUXX vs. ULST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUXX Sharpe Ratio is 3.60, which is lower than the ULST Sharpe Ratio of 5.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUXX and ULST, 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

	BUXX	ULST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.60	5.97	-2.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	3.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.82	1.50	+2.32

Drawdowns

BUXX vs. ULST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUXX drawdown since its inception was -0.60%, smaller than the maximum ULST drawdown of -6.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUXX and ULST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUXX	ULST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-6.20%	+5.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.29%	-0.24%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-1.22%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-6.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.05%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.05%	-0.16%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.07%	0.05%	+0.02%

Volatility

BUXX vs. ULST - Volatility Comparison

Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) has a higher volatility of 0.30% compared to State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF (ULST) at 0.18%. This indicates that BUXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ULST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUXX	ULST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.30%	0.18%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.78%	0.43%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22%	0.66%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.46%	0.96%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.46%	1.45%	+0.01%

BUXX vs. ULST - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUXX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than ULST's 0.20% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BUXX vs. ULST - Dividend Comparison

BUXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, more than ULST's 4.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUXX Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF	4.73%	4.95%	5.55%	1.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ULST State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF	4.29%	4.46%	5.03%	4.45%	1.70%	0.54%	1.34%	2.56%	2.13%	1.21%	0.93%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUXX and ULST in my portfolio?

BUXX and ULST 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, BUXX or ULST?

BUXX has higher volatility (0.30%) compared to ULST (0.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUXX dropped -0.60% vs ULST's -6.20%.

Which ETF is better, BUXX or ULST?

On 1-year performance, BUXX leads with 4.35% vs 3.90% for ULST. On fees, ULST is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ULST has been the lower-risk option at 0.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUXX or ULST?

Over the 1-year period, BUXX has performed better with a 4.35% return vs 3.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUXX or ULST?

ULST is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for BUXX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUXX or ULST?

BUXX has the higher dividend yield at 4.73%, compared with 4.29% for ULST.

What is the main difference between BUXX and ULST?

They also come from different issuers: Strive and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for BUXX and 0.20% for ULST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ULST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.97 vs 3.60), 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.