MUSI vs. SDSI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MUSI (American Century Multisector Income ETF) and SDSI (American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MUSI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by American Century, while SDSI is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 1-3 Year Government/Credit Bond Index. MUSI is actively managed, while SDSI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MUSI returned 6.54%/yr vs 5.85%/yr for SDSI. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MUSI charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for SDSI.

Performance

MUSI vs. SDSI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Multisector Income ETF (MUSI) and American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUSI achieves a 0.85% return, which is significantly lower than SDSI's 1.35% return.

MUSI

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 0.85%
• 6M: 1.07%
• 1Y: 5.33%
• 3Y*: 6.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SDSI

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 4.84%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MUSI vs. SDSI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MUSI American Century Multisector Income ETF	0.85%	8.32%	5.14%	7.51%	2.61%
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	1.35%	6.54%	5.63%	5.88%	1.99%

Correlation

The correlation between MUSI and SDSI is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2022	0.78

The correlation between MUSI and SDSI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MUSI vs. SDSI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUSI

MUSI Risk / Return Rank: 47
MUSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MUSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
MUSI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
MUSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
MUSI Martin Ratio Rank: 43

SDSI

SDSI Risk / Return Rank: 91
SDSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SDSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SDSI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SDSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SDSI Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

MUSI vs. SDSI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Multisector Income ETF (MUSI) and American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI). 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.

	MUSI	SDSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	3.03	-1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	4.58	-2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.61	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	4.15	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	19.56	-12.94

MUSI vs. SDSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the SDSI Sharpe Ratio of 3.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUSI and SDSI, 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

MUSI vs. SDSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUSI drawdown since its inception was -13.91%, which is greater than SDSI's maximum drawdown of -1.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUSI and SDSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUSI	SDSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.91%	-1.29%	-12.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.78%	-1.17%	-1.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.16%	-1.29%	-2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.07%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.18%	-0.24%	-3.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.81%	0.25%	+0.56%

Volatility

MUSI vs. SDSI - Volatility Comparison

American Century Multisector Income ETF (MUSI) has a higher volatility of 1.05% compared to American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) at 0.49%. This indicates that MUSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SDSI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUSI	SDSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	0.49%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	1.20%	+1.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.37%	1.61%	+1.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.84%	2.27%	+2.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.84%	2.27%	+2.57%

MUSI vs. SDSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUSI has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than SDSI's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUSI vs. SDSI - Dividend Comparison

MUSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.53%, more than SDSI's 4.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MUSI American Century Multisector Income ETF	5.53%	5.74%	6.00%	5.20%	4.02%	1.62%
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	4.78%	4.91%	5.49%	5.37%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUSI and SDSI in my portfolio?

MUSI and SDSI have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MUSI or SDSI?

MUSI has higher volatility (1.05%) compared to SDSI (0.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUSI dropped -13.91% vs SDSI's -1.29%.

Which ETF is better, MUSI or SDSI?

On 3-year performance, MUSI leads with 6.54% vs 5.85% for SDSI. On fees, SDSI is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, SDSI has been the lower-risk option at 0.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MUSI or SDSI?

Over the 3-year period, MUSI has performed better with a 6.54% return vs 5.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MUSI or SDSI?

SDSI is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for MUSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MUSI or SDSI?

MUSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.53%, compared with 4.78% for SDSI.

What is the main difference between MUSI and SDSI?

MUSI is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while SDSI is Short-Term Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for MUSI and 0.33% for SDSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 1.59), 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.