LDSF vs. FLDR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and FLDR (Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. LDSF is actively managed, while FLDR is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LDSF returned 2.42%/yr vs 3.71%/yr for FLDR. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FLDR.

Performance

LDSF vs. FLDR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF (FLDR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LDSF achieves a 0.82% return, which is significantly lower than FLDR's 1.62% return.

LDSF

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 2.42%
• 10Y*: —

FLDR

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 4.64%
• 3Y*: 5.30%
• 5Y*: 3.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

LDSF vs. FLDR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	4.20%	6.53%	-5.47%	-0.28%	2.48%	4.52%
FLDR Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF	1.62%	5.41%	5.71%	6.32%	-0.33%	-0.18%	2.01%	4.38%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and FLDR 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	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2019	0.36

The correlation between LDSF and FLDR shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (all time) to 0.58 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. FLDR — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 70
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 80
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FLDR

FLDR Risk / Return Rank: 98
FLDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FLDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
FLDR Omega Ratio Rank: 99
FLDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
FLDR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

LDSF vs. FLDR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF (FLDR). 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.

	LDSF	FLDR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	5.75	-3.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	9.69	-6.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	2.65	-1.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	9.97	-7.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.03	67.93	-56.90

LDSF vs. FLDR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is lower than the FLDR Sharpe Ratio of 5.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF and FLDR, 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

LDSF vs. FLDR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, smaller than the maximum FLDR drawdown of -12.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and FLDR.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	FLDR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-12.23%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-0.47%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.74%	-0.76%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.83%	-2.33%	-5.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.04%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-0.35%	-1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	0.07%	+0.34%

Volatility

LDSF vs. FLDR - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) has a higher volatility of 0.67% compared to Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF (FLDR) at 0.18%. This indicates that LDSF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLDR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	FLDR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	0.18%	+0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.72%	0.60%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	0.81%	+1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.09%	1.21%	+1.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.17%	5.25%	-2.08%

LDSF vs. FLDR - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than FLDR's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

LDSF vs. FLDR - Dividend Comparison

LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, more than FLDR's 4.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLDR Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF	4.42%	4.66%	5.50%	5.28%	2.09%	0.51%	1.22%	2.69%	1.38%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and FLDR in my portfolio?

LDSF and FLDR 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.

Which is riskier, LDSF or FLDR?

LDSF has higher volatility (0.67%) compared to FLDR (0.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs FLDR's -12.23%.

Which ETF is better, LDSF or FLDR?

On 5-year performance, FLDR leads with 3.71% vs 2.42% for LDSF. On fees, FLDR is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FLDR has been the lower-risk option at 0.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDSF or FLDR?

Over the 5-year period, FLDR has performed better with a 3.71% return vs 2.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDSF or FLDR?

FLDR is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LDSF or FLDR?

LDSF has the higher dividend yield at 4.63%, compared with 4.42% for FLDR.

What is the main difference between LDSF and FLDR?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for LDSF and 0.15% for FLDR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLDR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.75 vs 2.22), 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.