KNOW vs. SPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KNOW (Fundamentals First ETF) and SPLS (PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KNOW charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for SPLS.

Performance

KNOW vs. SPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fundamentals First ETF (KNOW) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

KNOW

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.23%
• YTD: 12.09%
• 6M: 12.69%
• 1Y: 18.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPLS

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KNOW vs. SPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
KNOW Fundamentals First ETF	7.00%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	9.37%

Correlation

The correlation between KNOW and SPLS is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2026	0.67

Return for Risk

KNOW vs. SPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNOW

KNOW Risk / Return Rank: 59
KNOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
KNOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
KNOW Omega Ratio Rank: 58
KNOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
KNOW Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

KNOW vs. SPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fundamentals First ETF (KNOW) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). 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.

	KNOW	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.59	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KNOW	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	1.82	-0.81

Drawdowns

KNOW vs. SPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNOW drawdown since its inception was -15.99%, which is greater than SPLS's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNOW and SPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNOW	SPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.99%	-9.24%	-6.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.65%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.14%	-1.85%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.79%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KNOW	SPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.96%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.07%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.63%	15.02%	-5.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.36%	15.02%	-2.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.36%	15.02%	-2.66%

KNOW vs. SPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNOW has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than SPLS's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNOW vs. SPLS - Dividend Comparison

KNOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than SPLS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
KNOW Fundamentals First ETF	1.36%	1.53%	1.35%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNOW and SPLS in my portfolio?

KNOW and SPLS have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KNOW or SPLS?

On fees, SPLS is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNOW or SPLS?

SPLS is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for KNOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KNOW or SPLS?

KNOW has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.22% for SPLS.

What is the main difference between KNOW and SPLS?

They also come from different issuers: Mason Capital Partners and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for KNOW and 0.18% for SPLS.