SCUB vs. AFOS

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

SCUB (Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCUB is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by Sterling Capital, while AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCUB charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

SCUB vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF (SCUB) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SCUB

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.36%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 4.27%
• 6M: 26.78%
• YTD: 31.59%
• 1Y: 74.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCUB vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SCUB Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF	1.30%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	26.97%

Correlation

The correlation between SCUB and AFOS is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2026	0.40

Return for Risk

SCUB vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCUB

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

AFOS

AFOS Risk / Return Rank: 95
AFOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
AFOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AFOS Omega Ratio Rank: 94
AFOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

SCUB vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF (SCUB) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

	SCUB	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.39	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.55	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.48	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	28.69	—

Drawdowns

SCUB vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCUB drawdown since its inception was -0.08%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCUB and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCUB	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.08%	-11.52%	+11.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.80%	+3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.01%	-1.51%	+1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCUB	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.42%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79%	22.00%	-21.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.79%	21.74%	-20.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.79%	21.74%	-20.95%

SCUB vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCUB has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCUB vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

SCUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, more than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%
SCUB Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond ETF	1.33%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCUB and AFOS in my portfolio?

SCUB and AFOS have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SCUB or AFOS?

On fees, SCUB is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCUB or AFOS?

SCUB is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCUB or AFOS?

SCUB has the higher dividend yield at 1.33%, compared with 0.23% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between SCUB and AFOS?

SCUB is categorized as Actively Managed, while AFOS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Sterling Capital and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for SCUB and 0.45% for AFOS.