SBND vs. NJNK

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SBND (Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF) and NJNK (Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SBND is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Beta Advantage Short Term Bond (-300%), while NJNK is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Columbia. SBND is passively managed, while NJNK is actively managed. Over the past year, SBND returned 5.45% vs 6.85% for NJNK. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SBND charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for NJNK.

Performance

SBND vs. NJNK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) and Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF (NJNK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBND achieves a 0.91% return, which is significantly lower than NJNK's 1.50% return.

SBND

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.91%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 5.45%
• 3Y*: 6.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NJNK

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 6.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SBND vs. NJNK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SBND Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF	0.91%	7.50%	0.02%
NJNK Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF	1.50%	9.03%	0.62%

Correlation

The correlation between SBND and NJNK is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.59

The correlation between SBND and NJNK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SBND vs. NJNK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBND

SBND Risk / Return Rank: 73
SBND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SBND Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SBND Omega Ratio Rank: 77
SBND Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SBND Martin Ratio Rank: 73

NJNK

NJNK Risk / Return Rank: 55
NJNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
NJNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
NJNK Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NJNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
NJNK Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. NJNK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) and Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF (NJNK). 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.

	SBND	NJNK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	1.72	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	2.62	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.33	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	2.61	+0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.43	10.86	+2.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SBND vs. NJNK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBND Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the NJNK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBND and NJNK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SBND	NJNK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.24	1.72	+0.51
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	1.33	-0.64

Drawdowns

SBND vs. NJNK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBND drawdown since its inception was -10.78%, which is greater than NJNK's maximum drawdown of -4.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBND and NJNK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBND	NJNK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.78%	-4.48%	-6.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-2.63%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.14%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.86%	-0.49%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	0.63%	-0.22%

Volatility

SBND vs. NJNK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) is 0.58%, while Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF (NJNK) has a volatility of 1.41%. This indicates that SBND experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NJNK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBND	NJNK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.58%	1.41%	-0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	3.11%	-1.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47%	4.00%	-1.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.61%	4.80%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.61%	4.80%	-1.19%

SBND vs. NJNK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBND has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than NJNK's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBND vs. NJNK - Dividend Comparison

SBND's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, less than NJNK's 6.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NJNK Columbia U.S. High Yield ETF	6.42%	6.34%	2.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SBND Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF	4.53%	4.65%	4.58%	3.90%	2.80%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBND and NJNK in my portfolio?

SBND and NJNK have a correlation of 0.57, 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 NJNK?

NJNK has higher volatility (1.41%) compared to SBND (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBND dropped -10.78% vs NJNK's -4.48%.

Which ETF is better, SBND or NJNK?

On 1-year performance, NJNK leads with 6.85% vs 5.45% for SBND. On fees, SBND is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SBND has been the lower-risk option at 0.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SBND or NJNK?

Over the 1-year period, NJNK has performed better with a 6.85% return vs 5.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SBND or NJNK?

SBND is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for NJNK.

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

NJNK has the higher dividend yield at 6.42%, compared with 4.53% for SBND.

What is the main difference between SBND and NJNK?

SBND is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while NJNK is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for SBND and 0.46% for NJNK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SBND currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.72), 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.