LDSF vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LDSF is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by First Trust, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, LDSF returned 5.34%/yr vs 19.51%/yr for PIT. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

LDSF vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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 PIT's 27.31% return.

LDSF

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

PIT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -10.60%
• YTD: 27.31%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 38.33%
• 3Y*: 19.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

LDSF vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	4.20%	6.53%	-0.54%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	27.31%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and PIT is -0.24, 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	-0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	-0.05

The correlation between LDSF and PIT shifts across timeframes, from -0.24 (1 year) to -0.05 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. PIT — 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

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 55
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PIT 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.

LDSF vs. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.78	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.32	+1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.32	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	2.74	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.03	10.88	+0.15

LDSF vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF and PIT, 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. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, smaller than the maximum PIT drawdown of -14.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-14.05%	+5.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-14.05%	+12.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.74%	-14.05%	+12.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-14.05%	+13.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-4.07%	+2.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	3.59%	-3.18%

Volatility

LDSF vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) is 0.67%, while VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that LDSF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	4.67%	-4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.72%	19.36%	-17.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	21.66%	-19.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.09%	17.50%	-14.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.17%	17.50%	-14.33%

LDSF vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

LDSF vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, less than PIT's 7.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	7.00%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and PIT in my portfolio?

LDSF and PIT have a correlation of -0.24, 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 PIT?

PIT has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to LDSF (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs PIT's -14.05%.

Which ETF is better, LDSF or PIT?

On 3-year performance, PIT leads with 19.51% vs 5.34% for LDSF. On fees, PIT is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, LDSF has been the lower-risk option at 0.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDSF or PIT?

Over the 3-year period, PIT has performed better with a 19.51% return vs 5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDSF or PIT?

PIT is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

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

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 4.63% for LDSF.

What is the main difference between LDSF and PIT?

LDSF is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for LDSF and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LDSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.78), 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.