HOLD vs. SIFI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

HOLD (Harbor Alpha Layering ETF) and SIFI (Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HOLD is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by Harbor, while SIFI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Harbor. Both are actively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HOLD charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SIFI.

Performance

HOLD vs. SIFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) and Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HOLD achieves a 11.09% return, which is significantly higher than SIFI's 0.91% return.

HOLD

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 11.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIFI

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 0.91%
• 6M: 1.38%
• 1Y: 7.30%
• 3Y*: 7.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HOLD vs. SIFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HOLD Harbor Alpha Layering ETF	11.09%	8.60%
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	0.91%	3.13%

Correlation

The correlation between HOLD and SIFI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

HOLD vs. SIFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIFI

SIFI Risk / Return Rank: 66
SIFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SIFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SIFI Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SIFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SIFI Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

HOLD vs. SIFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) and Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HOLD	SIFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.71	0.46	+1.25

Drawdowns

HOLD vs. SIFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HOLD drawdown since its inception was -9.47%, smaller than the maximum SIFI drawdown of -14.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HOLD and SIFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HOLD	SIFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-14.68%	+5.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.71%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-0.41%	-2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.95%	-4.81%	+2.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HOLD	SIFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.01%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.48%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.41%	3.37%	+12.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.41%	4.93%	+10.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.41%	4.93%	+10.48%

HOLD vs. SIFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HOLD has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than SIFI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

HOLD vs. SIFI - Dividend Comparison

HOLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.59%, more than SIFI's 6.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HOLD Harbor Alpha Layering ETF	6.59%	7.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	6.46%	6.57%	5.87%	5.71%	3.88%	0.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HOLD and SIFI in my portfolio?

HOLD and SIFI have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HOLD or SIFI?

On fees, SIFI is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HOLD or SIFI?

SIFI is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for HOLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HOLD or SIFI?

HOLD has the higher dividend yield at 6.59%, compared with 6.46% for SIFI.

What is the main difference between HOLD and SIFI?

HOLD is categorized as Multistrategy, while SIFI is Multisector Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HOLD and 0.50% for SIFI.