FCVT vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FCVT (First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCVT is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FCVT returned 43.93% vs 2.87% for BAMU. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. FCVT charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

FCVT vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCVT achieves a 24.74% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.18% return.

FCVT

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: 2.99%
• YTD: 24.74%
• 6M: 22.65%
• 1Y: 43.93%
• 3Y*: 20.64%
• 5Y*: 6.75%
• 10Y*: 12.06%

BAMU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 2.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FCVT vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FCVT First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF	24.74%	19.60%	11.92%	8.80%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.18%	3.21%	4.14%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FCVT and BAMU is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	-0.06

Return for Risk

FCVT vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCVT

FCVT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FCVT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
FCVT Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FCVT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FCVT Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FCVT Martin Ratio Rank: 89

BAMU

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

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.

FCVT vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	FCVT	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	4.94	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	8.71	-5.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	2.41	-0.98
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.21	24.37	-19.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.41	96.52	-78.12

FCVT vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCVT Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is lower than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 4.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCVT and BAMU, 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

FCVT vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCVT drawdown since its inception was -31.79%, which is greater than BAMU's maximum drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCVT and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCVT	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.79%	-0.36%	-31.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.47%	-0.12%	-8.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.43%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.29%	0.00%	-2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.32%	-0.02%	-10.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.39%	0.03%	+2.36%

Volatility

FCVT vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) has a higher volatility of 7.27% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.09%. This indicates that FCVT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCVT	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.27%	0.09%	+7.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.25%	0.39%	+13.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	0.58%	+16.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.37%	0.87%	+13.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.99%	0.87%	+14.12%

FCVT vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCVT has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCVT vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

FCVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than BAMU's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FCVT First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF	1.20%	1.98%	1.30%	1.76%	3.71%	23.07%	1.72%	1.60%	1.85%	2.18%	1.88%	0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCVT and BAMU in my portfolio?

FCVT and BAMU have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCVT or BAMU?

FCVT has higher volatility (7.27%) compared to BAMU (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCVT dropped -31.79% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, FCVT or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, FCVT leads with 43.93% vs 2.87% for BAMU. On fees, FCVT is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCVT or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, FCVT has performed better with a 43.93% return vs 2.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCVT or BAMU?

FCVT is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FCVT or BAMU?

BAMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 1.20% for FCVT.

What is the main difference between FCVT and BAMU?

FCVT is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while BAMU is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FCVT and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.94 vs 2.57), 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.