SDCP vs. LDSF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDCP (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF) and LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SDCP returned 4.00% vs 4.46% for LDSF. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDCP charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for LDSF.

Performance

SDCP vs. LDSF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) and First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDCP achieves a 1.25% return, which is significantly higher than LDSF's 0.82% return.

SDCP

• 1D: -0.00%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.25%
• 6M: 1.45%
• 1Y: 4.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LDSF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.93%
• 1Y: 4.46%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 2.41%
• 10Y*: —

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

SDCP vs. LDSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	1.25%	5.37%	5.24%	1.94%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	4.20%	2.90%

Correlation

The correlation between SDCP and LDSF is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2023	0.45

The correlation between SDCP and LDSF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SDCP vs. LDSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDCP

SDCP Risk / Return Rank: 92
SDCP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SDCP Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SDCP Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SDCP Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SDCP Martin Ratio Rank: 88

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 71
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 81
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

SDCP vs. LDSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) and First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF). 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.

	SDCP	LDSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.04	2.18	+0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.84	3.30	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.72	1.45	+0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.87	2.57	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.28	10.83	+7.45

SDCP vs. LDSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDCP Sharpe Ratio is 3.04, which is higher than the LDSF Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDCP and LDSF, 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

SDCP vs. LDSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDCP drawdown since its inception was -1.00%, smaller than the maximum LDSF drawdown of -8.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDCP and LDSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDCP	LDSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-8.56%	+7.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.82%	-1.74%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-7.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.26%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-1.45%	+1.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	0.41%	-0.19%

Volatility

SDCP vs. LDSF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) is 0.26%, while First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) has a volatility of 0.67%. This indicates that SDCP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LDSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDCP	LDSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.26%	0.67%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.79%	1.71%	-0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.33%	2.05%	-0.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	3.09%	-1.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.02%	3.17%	-1.15%

SDCP vs. LDSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDCP has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than LDSF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDCP vs. LDSF - Dividend Comparison

SDCP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.22%, more than LDSF's 4.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	5.22%	5.16%	5.25%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDCP and LDSF in my portfolio?

SDCP and LDSF have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDCP or LDSF?

LDSF has higher volatility (0.67%) compared to SDCP (0.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDCP dropped -1.00% vs LDSF's -8.56%.

Which ETF is better, SDCP or LDSF?

On 1-year performance, LDSF leads with 4.46% vs 4.00% for SDCP. On fees, SDCP is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SDCP has been the lower-risk option at 0.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDCP or LDSF?

Over the 1-year period, LDSF has performed better with a 4.46% return vs 4.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDCP or LDSF?

SDCP is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDCP or LDSF?

SDCP has the higher dividend yield at 5.22%, compared with 4.63% for LDSF.

What is the main difference between SDCP and LDSF?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDCP and 0.87% for LDSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDCP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 2.18), 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.