LDSF vs. WNTR

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LDSF is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by First Trust, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, LDSF returned 4.27% vs 116.49% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

LDSF vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LDSF achieves a 0.95% return, which is significantly lower than WNTR's 8.06% return.

LDSF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.10%
• 6M: 0.68%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 1Y: 4.27%
• 3Y*: 5.46%
• 5Y*: 2.45%
• 10Y*: —

WNTR

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 15.85%
• 6M: 10.45%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 1Y: 116.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

LDSF vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.95%	5.25%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	8.06%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and WNTR is -0.26, 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	-0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 78
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 71

WNTR

WNTR Risk / Return Rank: 65
WNTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
WNTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
WNTR Omega Ratio Rank: 67
WNTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
WNTR Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). 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	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.06	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.34	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.32	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	2.60	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.40	6.69	+3.72

LDSF vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF and WNTR, 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. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, smaller than the maximum WNTR drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-42.65%	+34.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-42.65%	+40.91%
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	-0.16%	-11.84%	+11.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-20.57%	+19.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	16.58%	-16.17%

Volatility

LDSF vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) is 0.63%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 18.80%. This indicates that LDSF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WNTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.63%	18.80%	-18.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	47.57%	-45.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	53.81%	-51.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.09%	53.62%	-50.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.17%	53.62%	-50.45%

LDSF vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

LDSF vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than WNTR's 104.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.65%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	104.11%	58.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and WNTR in my portfolio?

LDSF and WNTR have a correlation of -0.26, 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 WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (18.80%) compared to LDSF (0.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, LDSF or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 116.49% vs 4.27% for LDSF. On fees, LDSF is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, LDSF has been the lower-risk option at 0.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDSF or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 116.49% return vs 4.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDSF or WNTR?

LDSF is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

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

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 104.11%, compared with 4.65% for LDSF.

What is the main difference between LDSF and WNTR?

LDSF is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for LDSF and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LDSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 2.06), 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.