FCBD vs. NUBD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FCBD (Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF) and NUBD (Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. FCBD is actively managed, while NUBD is passively managed. Over the past year, FCBD returned 3.77% vs 4.02% for NUBD. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FCBD charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for NUBD.

Performance

FCBD vs. NUBD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) and Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCBD achieves a 0.52% return, which is significantly higher than NUBD's 0.36% return.

FCBD

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 0.52%
• 6M: 0.67%
• 1Y: 3.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUBD

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 0.43%
• 1Y: 4.02%
• 3Y*: 3.77%
• 5Y*: -0.10%
• 10Y*: —

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

FCBD vs. NUBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	0.52%	6.29%	-0.02%
NUBD Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.36%	6.75%	0.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FCBD and NUBD is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2024	0.85

The correlation between FCBD and NUBD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FCBD vs. NUBD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCBD

FCBD Risk / Return Rank: 50
FCBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
FCBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
FCBD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FCBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
FCBD Martin Ratio Rank: 44

NUBD

NUBD Risk / Return Rank: 30
NUBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
NUBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NUBD Omega Ratio Rank: 29
NUBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
NUBD Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

FCBD vs. NUBD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) and Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD). 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.

	FCBD	NUBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.07	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	1.56	+0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	1.46	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.66	4.08	+2.58

FCBD vs. NUBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCBD Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is higher than the NUBD Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCBD and NUBD, 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

FCBD vs. NUBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCBD drawdown since its inception was -1.64%, smaller than the maximum NUBD drawdown of -19.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCBD and NUBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCBD	NUBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.64%	-19.45%	+17.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.64%	-2.76%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-3.77%	+3.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-6.04%	+5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.57%	0.99%	-0.42%

Volatility

FCBD vs. NUBD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) is 0.75%, while Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD) has a volatility of 1.07%. This indicates that FCBD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCBD	NUBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.75%	1.07%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.79%	2.72%	-0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34%	3.77%	-1.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.60%	5.99%	-3.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.60%	5.11%	-2.51%

FCBD vs. NUBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCBD has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than NUBD's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCBD vs. NUBD - Dividend Comparison

FCBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than NUBD's 3.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	4.22%	4.34%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUBD Nuveen ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	3.98%	3.90%	3.51%	2.99%	2.83%	2.05%	2.21%	2.66%	3.08%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCBD and NUBD in my portfolio?

FCBD and NUBD have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCBD or NUBD?

NUBD has higher volatility (1.07%) compared to FCBD (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCBD dropped -1.64% vs NUBD's -19.45%.

Which ETF is better, FCBD or NUBD?

On 1-year performance, NUBD leads with 4.02% vs 3.77% for FCBD. On fees, NUBD is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FCBD has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCBD or NUBD?

Over the 1-year period, NUBD has performed better with a 4.02% return vs 3.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCBD or NUBD?

NUBD is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FCBD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FCBD or NUBD?

FCBD has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 3.98% for NUBD.

What is the main difference between FCBD and NUBD?

They also come from different issuers: Frontier and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FCBD and 0.15% for NUBD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.07), 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.