LDSF vs. SJLD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and SJLD (SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, LDSF returned 4.48% vs 4.69% for SJLD. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SJLD.

Performance

LDSF vs. SJLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LDSF achieves a 0.98% return, which is significantly lower than SJLD's 1.73% return.

LDSF

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 4.48%
• 3Y*: 5.40%
• 5Y*: 2.48%
• 10Y*: —

SJLD

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.73%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 4.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

LDSF vs. SJLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.98%	6.82%	-0.35%
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	1.73%	5.20%	0.91%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and SJLD is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.35

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. SJLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 75
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 84
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 67

SJLD

SJLD Risk / Return Rank: 90
SJLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SJLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SJLD Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SJLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SJLD Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. SJLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD). 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	SJLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	2.41	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.31	3.95	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.59	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	4.50	-1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.89	20.57	-9.68

LDSF vs. SJLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the SJLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF and SJLD, 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. SJLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, which is greater than SJLD's maximum drawdown of -1.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and SJLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	SJLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-1.04%	-7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-1.04%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.74%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.14%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-0.12%	-1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	0.23%	+0.18%

Volatility

LDSF vs. SJLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) has a higher volatility of 0.69% compared to SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD) at 0.29%. This indicates that LDSF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SJLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	SJLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.69%	0.29%	+0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.72%	1.16%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	1.96%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.09%	1.93%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.17%	1.93%	+1.24%

LDSF vs. SJLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than SJLD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

LDSF vs. SJLD - Dividend Comparison

LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.62%, more than SJLD's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.62%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	4.43%	3.74%	1.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and SJLD in my portfolio?

LDSF and SJLD have a correlation of 0.37, 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 SJLD?

LDSF has higher volatility (0.69%) compared to SJLD (0.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs SJLD's -1.04%.

Which ETF is better, LDSF or SJLD?

On 1-year performance, SJLD leads with 4.69% vs 4.48% for LDSF. On fees, SJLD is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SJLD has been the lower-risk option at 0.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDSF or SJLD?

Over the 1-year period, SJLD has performed better with a 4.69% return vs 4.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDSF or SJLD?

SJLD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

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

LDSF has the higher dividend yield at 4.62%, compared with 4.43% for SJLD.

What is the main difference between LDSF and SJLD?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and SanJac Alpha. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for LDSF and 0.35% for SJLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SJLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 2.20), 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.