RFIX vs. FTBD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

RFIX (Simplify Bond Bull ETF) and FTBD (Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RFIX returned -11.17% vs 4.78% for FTBD. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for FTBD.

Performance

RFIX vs. FTBD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFIX achieves a 6.11% return, which is significantly higher than FTBD's 0.71% return.

RFIX

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -1.57%
• 6M: 6.20%
• YTD: 6.11%
• 1Y: -11.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTBD

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.56%
• 6M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.78%
• 3Y*: 4.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RFIX vs. FTBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	6.11%	-28.43%	-12.22%
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	0.71%	8.35%	-2.28%

Correlation

The correlation between RFIX and FTBD is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.63

The correlation between RFIX and FTBD shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFIX vs. FTBD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFIX

RFIX Risk / Return Rank: 5
RFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
RFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
RFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
RFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

FTBD

FTBD Risk / Return Rank: 39
FTBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FTBD Omega Ratio Rank: 36
FTBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FTBD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

RFIX vs. FTBD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD). 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.

	RFIX	FTBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.38	1.12	-1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.36	1.63	-1.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.20	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.52	1.61	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.96	5.35	-6.31

RFIX vs. FTBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.38, which is lower than the FTBD Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFIX and FTBD, 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

RFIX vs. FTBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFIX drawdown since its inception was -38.79%, which is greater than FTBD's maximum drawdown of -6.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFIX and FTBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFIX	FTBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.79%	-6.98%	-31.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.63%	-2.98%	-18.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.42%	-1.43%	-31.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.56%	-1.55%	-23.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.60%	0.90%	+10.70%

Volatility

RFIX vs. FTBD - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) has a higher volatility of 9.27% compared to Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD) at 1.41%. This indicates that RFIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFIX	FTBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.27%	1.41%	+7.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.43%	3.39%	+17.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.74%	4.30%	+25.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.85%	5.83%	+25.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.85%	5.83%	+25.02%

RFIX vs. FTBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FTBD's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFIX vs. FTBD - Dividend Comparison

RFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.56%, less than FTBD's 5.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	5.10%	5.04%	4.76%	4.69%
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	4.56%	5.07%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFIX and FTBD in my portfolio?

RFIX and FTBD have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFIX or FTBD?

RFIX has higher volatility (9.27%) compared to FTBD (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFIX dropped -38.79% vs FTBD's -6.98%.

Which ETF is better, RFIX or FTBD?

On 1-year performance, FTBD leads with 4.78% vs -11.17% for RFIX. On fees, RFIX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FTBD has been the lower-risk option at 1.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFIX or FTBD?

Over the 1-year period, FTBD has performed better with a 4.78% return vs -11.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFIX or FTBD?

RFIX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FTBD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFIX or FTBD?

FTBD has the higher dividend yield at 5.10%, compared with 4.56% for RFIX.

What is the main difference between RFIX and FTBD?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RFIX and 0.55% for FTBD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs -0.38), 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.