SCMC vs. DIAL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SCMC (Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF) and DIAL (Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. SCMC is actively managed, while DIAL is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCMC charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DIAL.

Performance

SCMC vs. DIAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF (SCMC) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCMC achieves a 1.87% return, which is significantly higher than DIAL's 1.10% return.

SCMC

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 1.87%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DIAL

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.10%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 6.33%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 0.77%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCMC vs. DIAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCMC Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF	1.87%	-0.13%
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	1.10%	0.18%

Correlation

The correlation between SCMC and DIAL is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

SCMC vs. DIAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIAL

DIAL Risk / Return Rank: 45
DIAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DIAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DIAL Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DIAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DIAL Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

SCMC vs. DIAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF (SCMC) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCMC	DIAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.36	+0.96

Drawdowns

SCMC vs. DIAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCMC drawdown since its inception was -1.91%, smaller than the maximum DIAL drawdown of -22.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCMC and DIAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCMC	DIAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.91%	-22.19%	+20.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.34%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-7.01%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.66%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-5.54%	+5.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.86%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCMC	DIAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.23%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.83%	4.09%	-1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.83%	7.03%	-4.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.83%	7.03%	-4.20%

SCMC vs. DIAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCMC has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than DIAL's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCMC vs. DIAL - Dividend Comparison

SCMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.17%, less than DIAL's 5.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	5.04%	4.81%	4.67%	3.77%	3.47%	2.46%	2.61%	3.27%	3.56%	0.65%
SCMC Sterling Capital Multi-Strategy Income ETF	2.17%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCMC and DIAL in my portfolio?

SCMC and DIAL have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SCMC or DIAL?

On fees, DIAL is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCMC or DIAL?

DIAL is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for SCMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCMC or DIAL?

DIAL has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.17% for SCMC.

What is the main difference between SCMC and DIAL?

They also come from different issuers: Sterling Capital and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for SCMC and 0.29% for DIAL.