SBND vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SBND (Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SBND is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Beta Advantage Short Term Bond (-300%), while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. SBND is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SBND returned 6.00%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. SBND charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

SBND vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBND achieves a 0.83% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.23% return.

SBND

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 1.11%
• 1Y: 4.86%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -4.34%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

SBND vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SBND Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF	0.83%	7.50%	4.83%	7.20%	-7.24%	-0.70%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.23%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	4.78%

Correlation

The correlation between SBND and FAAR is -0.12, 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	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2021	-0.06

Return for Risk

SBND vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBND

SBND Risk / Return Rank: 65
SBND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SBND Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SBND Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SBND Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SBND Martin Ratio Rank: 66

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SBND vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	SBND	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.02	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	2.89	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.35	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	4.75	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.86	14.70	-2.84

SBND vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBND Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBND and FAAR, 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

SBND vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBND drawdown since its inception was -10.78%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBND and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBND	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.78%	-18.03%	+7.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-5.68%	+3.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-11.54%	+9.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-5.43%	+5.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-7.82%	+4.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	1.89%	-1.48%

Volatility

SBND vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) is 0.62%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that SBND experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBND	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.62%	2.47%	-1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	9.68%	-7.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	13.37%	-10.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.60%	12.95%	-9.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.60%	11.53%	-7.93%

SBND vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBND has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBND vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

SBND's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.54%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
SBND Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF	4.54%	4.65%	4.58%	3.90%	2.80%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBND and FAAR in my portfolio?

SBND and FAAR have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBND or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to SBND (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBND dropped -10.78% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, SBND or FAAR?

On 3-year performance, FAAR leads with 10.91% vs 6.00% for SBND. On fees, SBND is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SBND has been the lower-risk option at 0.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SBND or FAAR?

Over the 3-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 10.91% return vs 6.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SBND or FAAR?

SBND is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SBND or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 4.54% for SBND.

What is the main difference between SBND and FAAR?

SBND is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Columbia and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for SBND and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.99), 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.