CEFS vs. HNDL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CEFS (Saba Closed-End Funds ETF) and HNDL (Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CEFS is a Event Driven fund actively managed by Exchange Traded Concepts, while HNDL is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the NASDAQ 7 HANDL™ Index. CEFS is actively managed, while HNDL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CEFS returned 14.34%/yr vs 4.84%/yr for HNDL. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CEFS charges 2.61%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for HNDL.

Performance

CEFS vs. HNDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) and Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF (HNDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CEFS achieves a 15.43% return, which is significantly higher than HNDL's 6.83% return.

CEFS

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 4.40%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 6M: 17.14%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 22.19%
• 5Y*: 14.34%
• 10Y*: —

HNDL

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -0.15%
• YTD: 6.83%
• 6M: 6.88%
• 1Y: 15.36%
• 3Y*: 11.74%
• 5Y*: 4.84%
• 10Y*: —

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

CEFS vs. HNDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	15.43%	16.67%	23.48%	20.99%	-7.08%	17.86%	3.40%	28.41%	-11.39%
HNDL Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF	6.83%	10.76%	10.66%	13.28%	-19.12%	9.06%	12.03%	15.66%	-5.82%

Correlation

The correlation between CEFS and HNDL is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 17, 2018	0.51

The correlation between CEFS and HNDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CEFS vs. HNDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CEFS

CEFS Risk / Return Rank: 88
CEFS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
CEFS Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
CEFS Omega Ratio Rank: 87
CEFS Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
CEFS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

HNDL

HNDL Risk / Return Rank: 65
HNDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
HNDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HNDL Omega Ratio Rank: 64
HNDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
HNDL Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

CEFS vs. HNDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) and Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF (HNDL). 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.

	CEFS	HNDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.70	2.02	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.88	2.79	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.38	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.93	3.11	+1.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.94	12.65	+6.28

CEFS vs. HNDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CEFS Sharpe Ratio is 2.70, which is higher than the HNDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CEFS and HNDL, 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

CEFS vs. HNDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CEFS drawdown since its inception was -38.99%, which is greater than HNDL's maximum drawdown of -23.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CEFS and HNDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CEFS	HNDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.99%	-23.72%	-15.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.67%	-4.96%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.37%	-12.25%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-23.72%	+6.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.58%	+0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-4.85%	+1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.47%	1.22%	+0.25%

Volatility

CEFS vs. HNDL - Volatility Comparison

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) has a higher volatility of 4.03% compared to Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) at 2.68%. This indicates that CEFS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HNDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CEFS	HNDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	2.68%	+1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	5.95%	+3.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.35%	7.64%	+2.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.16%	11.55%	+1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.34%	10.74%	+4.60%

CEFS vs. HNDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CEFS has a 2.61% expense ratio, which is higher than HNDL's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

CEFS vs. HNDL - Dividend Comparison

CEFS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.99%, more than HNDL's 6.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	6.99%	7.84%	8.79%	9.20%	11.32%	10.73%	8.61%	8.10%	10.43%	5.02%
HNDL Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7HANDL Index ETF	6.88%	6.86%	7.02%	6.78%	7.87%	6.86%	6.21%	5.27%	6.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CEFS and HNDL in my portfolio?

CEFS and HNDL have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CEFS or HNDL?

CEFS has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to HNDL (2.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CEFS dropped -38.99% vs HNDL's -23.72%.

Which ETF is better, CEFS or HNDL?

On 5-year performance, CEFS leads with 14.34% vs 4.84% for HNDL. On fees, HNDL is cheaper at 0.97% per year. On volatility, HNDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CEFS or HNDL?

Over the 5-year period, CEFS has performed better with a 14.34% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CEFS or HNDL?

HNDL is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 2.61% for CEFS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CEFS or HNDL?

CEFS has the higher dividend yield at 6.99%, compared with 6.88% for HNDL.

What is the main difference between CEFS and HNDL?

CEFS is categorized as Event Driven, while HNDL is Diversified Portfolio. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Rational Capital LLC. Their fees differ too: 2.61% for CEFS and 0.97% for HNDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CEFS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 2.02), 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.