NOFIX vs. SMTRX

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

NOFIX (Northern Fixed Income Fund) and SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NOFIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for SMTRX.

Performance

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Fixed Income Fund (NOFIX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NOFIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.52%
• 6M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.21%
• 1Y: 3.87%
• 3Y*: 3.78%
• 5Y*: -0.62%
• 10Y*: 1.44%

SMTRX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NOFIX Northern Fixed Income Fund	0.18%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.24%

Correlation

The correlation between NOFIX and SMTRX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

NOFIX vs. SMTRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NOFIX

NOFIX Risk / Return Rank: 19
NOFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NOFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
NOFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NOFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
NOFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

SMTRX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Fixed Income Fund (NOFIX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). 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.

	NOFIX	SMTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.20	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.20	—	—

Drawdowns

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NOFIX drawdown since its inception was -20.04%, which is greater than SMTRX's maximum drawdown of -0.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NOFIX and SMTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NOFIX	SMTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.04%	-0.62%	-19.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-0.52%	-3.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.55%	-0.20%	-2.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NOFIX	SMTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.08%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	3.79%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.99%	3.79%	+2.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.96%	3.79%	+1.17%

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NOFIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SMTRX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

NOFIX vs. SMTRX - Dividend Comparison

NOFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, more than SMTRX's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NOFIX Northern Fixed Income Fund	4.18%	3.24%	3.93%	3.11%	1.91%	2.17%	2.77%	3.03%	3.64%	3.33%	2.53%	3.02%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NOFIX and SMTRX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, NOFIX and SMTRX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.