MFSB vs. FBDC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MFSB (MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF) and FBDC (FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFSB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by MFS, while FBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MFSB returned 4.95% vs -11.30% for FBDC. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MFSB charges 0.34%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for FBDC.

Performance

MFSB vs. FBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF (MFSB) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFSB achieves a 0.62% return, which is significantly higher than FBDC's -4.10% return.

MFSB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -0.48%
• 6M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 1Y: 4.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBDC

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: 4.48%
• 6M: -6.58%
• YTD: -4.10%
• 1Y: -11.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MFSB vs. FBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MFSB MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF	0.62%	3.85%
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-4.10%	-2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between MFSB and FBDC is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2025	0.18

Return for Risk

MFSB vs. FBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFSB

MFSB Risk / Return Rank: 47
MFSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
MFSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MFSB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
MFSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MFSB Martin Ratio Rank: 42

FBDC

FBDC Risk / Return Rank: 4
FBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
FBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

MFSB vs. FBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF (MFSB) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). 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.

	MFSB	FBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	-0.63	+2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	-0.80	+2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	0.91	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	-0.55	+2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.42	-0.93	+6.35

MFSB vs. FBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is higher than the FBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFSB and FBDC, 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

MFSB vs. FBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFSB drawdown since its inception was -3.19%, smaller than the maximum FBDC drawdown of -20.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFSB and FBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFSB	FBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-20.60%	+17.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.71%	-20.60%	+17.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-12.29%	+11.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.83%	-10.74%	+9.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	12.23%	-11.32%

Volatility

MFSB vs. FBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF (MFSB) is 0.94%, while FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that MFSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFSB	FBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.94%	4.45%	-3.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	14.59%	-11.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.52%	18.06%	-14.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.18%	17.86%	-13.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.18%	17.86%	-13.68%

MFSB vs. FBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFSB has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than FBDC's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFSB vs. FBDC - Dividend Comparison

MFSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, less than FBDC's 11.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	11.99%	5.41%	0.00%
MFSB MFS Active Core Plus Bond ETF	4.63%	4.58%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFSB and FBDC in my portfolio?

MFSB and FBDC have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFSB or FBDC?

FBDC has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to MFSB (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFSB dropped -3.19% vs FBDC's -20.60%.

Which ETF is better, MFSB or FBDC?

On 1-year performance, MFSB leads with 4.95% vs -11.30% for FBDC. On fees, MFSB is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, MFSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFSB or FBDC?

Over the 1-year period, MFSB has performed better with a 4.95% return vs -11.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFSB or FBDC?

MFSB is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 1.35% for FBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFSB or FBDC?

FBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.99%, compared with 4.63% for MFSB.

What is the main difference between MFSB and FBDC?

MFSB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while FBDC is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: MFS and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for MFSB and 1.35% for FBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs -0.63), 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.