SCSBX vs. SMTRX

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

SCSBX (DWS Total Return Bond 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. SCSBX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for SMTRX.

Performance

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

SCSBX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.51%
• 6M: -0.56%
• YTD: -0.25%
• 1Y: 3.87%
• 3Y*: 4.64%
• 5Y*: -0.49%
• 10Y*: 1.80%

SMTRX

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 0.35%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SCSBX DWS Total Return Bond Fund	0.18%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	-0.17%

Correlation

The correlation between SCSBX 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

SCSBX vs. SMTRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCSBX

SCSBX Risk / Return Rank: 17
SCSBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
SCSBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
SCSBX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
SCSBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
SCSBX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DWS Total Return Bond Fund (SCSBX) 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.

	SCSBX	SMTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.04	—	—

Drawdowns

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCSBX drawdown since its inception was -21.02%, which is greater than SMTRX's maximum drawdown of -0.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCSBX and SMTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCSBX	SMTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.02%	-0.93%	-20.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.24%	-0.93%	-2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.82%	-0.23%	-2.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.24%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCSBX	SMTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88%	4.00%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.80%	4.00%	+1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.77%	4.00%	+0.77%

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCSBX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than SMTRX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCSBX vs. SMTRX - Dividend Comparison

SCSBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, more than SMTRX's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCSBX DWS Total Return Bond Fund	4.75%	4.36%	4.55%	3.91%	3.13%	2.47%	2.30%	3.53%	3.82%	3.19%	2.55%	3.23%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.72%	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 SCSBX and SMTRX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SCSBX 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.