CEFS vs. ROBO
CEFS (Saba Closed-End Funds ETF) and ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CEFS is a Event Driven fund actively managed by Exchange Traded Concepts, while ROBO is a Robotics fund tracking the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index. CEFS is actively managed, while ROBO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CEFS returned 14.29%/yr vs 5.19%/yr for ROBO. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CEFS charges 2.61%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for ROBO.
Performance
CEFS vs. ROBO - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CEFS achieves a 15.16% return, which is significantly lower than ROBO's 19.46% return.
CEFS
- 1D
- -0.23%
- 1M
- 4.16%
- YTD
- 15.16%
- 6M
- 16.21%
- 1Y
- 26.43%
- 3Y*
- 22.09%
- 5Y*
- 14.29%
- 10Y*
- —
ROBO
- 1D
- -4.44%
- 1M
- -5.15%
- YTD
- 19.46%
- 6M
- 18.99%
- 1Y
- 46.62%
- 3Y*
- 13.90%
- 5Y*
- 5.19%
- 10Y*
- 13.13%
CEFS vs. ROBO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF | 15.16% | 16.67% | 23.48% | 20.99% | -7.08% | 17.86% | 3.40% | 28.41% | -9.97% | 7.92% |
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF | 19.46% | 23.71% | -1.28% | 23.74% | -33.92% | 15.34% | 45.26% | 29.51% | -20.92% | 19.35% |
Correlation
The correlation between CEFS and ROBO is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.56 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.62 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.63 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2017 | 0.55 |
The correlation between CEFS and ROBO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
CEFS vs. ROBO — Risk / Return Rank
CEFS
ROBO
CEFS vs. ROBO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) and ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO). 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 | ROBO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.71 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.23 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.49 | 1.32 | +0.17 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.68 | 2.70 | +1.98 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 17.98 | 10.10 | +7.89 |
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Drawdowns
CEFS vs. ROBO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CEFS drawdown since its inception was -38.99%, smaller than the maximum ROBO drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CEFS and ROBO.
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Drawdown Indicators
| CEFS | ROBO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.99% | -43.65% | +4.66% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.67% | -17.35% | +11.68% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.37% | -27.92% | +14.55% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -16.85% | -43.65% | +26.80% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -43.65% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.23% | -8.35% | +8.12% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.65% | -12.90% | +9.25% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.47% | 4.63% | -3.16% |
Volatility
CEFS vs. ROBO - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) is 4.04%, while ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) has a volatility of 11.64%. This indicates that CEFS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROBO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| CEFS | ROBO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.04% | 11.64% | -7.60% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.01% | 20.52% | -11.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 10.34% | 25.07% | -14.73% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.16% | 24.06% | -10.90% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 15.33% | 23.31% | -7.98% |
CEFS vs. ROBO - Expense Ratio Comparison
CEFS has a 2.61% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBO's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
CEFS vs. ROBO - Dividend Comparison
CEFS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.01%, more than ROBO's 0.35% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF | 7.01% | 7.84% | 8.79% | 9.20% | 11.32% | 10.73% | 8.61% | 8.10% | 10.43% | 5.02% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF | 0.35% | 0.42% | 0.55% | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.18% | 0.20% | 0.37% | 0.37% | 0.02% | 0.19% | 0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
CEFS and ROBO have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
ROBO has higher volatility (11.64%) compared to CEFS (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CEFS dropped -38.99% vs ROBO's -43.65%.
On 5-year performance, CEFS leads with 14.29% vs 5.19% for ROBO. On fees, ROBO is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, CEFS has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, CEFS has performed better with a 14.29% return vs 5.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
ROBO is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 2.61% for CEFS.
CEFS has the higher dividend yield at 7.01%, compared with 0.35% for ROBO.
CEFS is categorized as Event Driven, while ROBO is Robotics. Their fees differ too: 2.61% for CEFS and 0.95% for ROBO.
CEFS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 1.87), 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.
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