SDCP vs. SDSI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SDCP (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF) and SDSI (American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. SDCP is actively managed, while SDSI is passively managed. Over the past year, SDCP returned 4.18% vs 4.89% for SDSI. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDCP charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for SDSI.

Performance

SDCP vs. SDSI - 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 American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SDCP having a 1.25% return and SDSI slightly higher at 1.28%.

SDCP

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.25%
• 6M: 1.41%
• 1Y: 4.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SDSI

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.28%
• 6M: 1.46%
• 1Y: 4.89%
• 3Y*: 5.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDCP vs. SDSI - 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%
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	1.28%	6.54%	5.63%	2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between SDCP and SDSI is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2023	0.49

Return for Risk

SDCP vs. SDSI — 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: 93
SDCP Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SDCP Omega Ratio Rank: 96
SDCP Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SDCP Martin Ratio Rank: 89

SDSI

SDSI Risk / Return Rank: 90
SDSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SDSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SDSI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SDSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SDSI Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. SDSI - 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 American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI). 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	SDSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.16	3.05	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.06	4.63	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.75	1.62	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.09	4.20	+0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.13	19.76	-0.63

SDCP vs. SDSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDCP Sharpe Ratio is 3.16, which is comparable to the SDSI Sharpe Ratio of 3.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDCP and SDSI, 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. SDSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDCP drawdown since its inception was -1.00%, smaller than the maximum SDSI drawdown of -1.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDCP and SDSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDCP	SDSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-1.29%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.82%	-1.17%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.14%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-0.24%	+0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	0.25%	-0.03%

Volatility

SDCP vs. SDSI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) is 0.27%, while American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) has a volatility of 0.49%. This indicates that SDCP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SDSI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDCP	SDSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.27%	0.49%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.79%	1.20%	-0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.33%	1.61%	-0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.03%	2.27%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.03%	2.27%	-0.24%

SDCP vs. SDSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDCP has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SDSI's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDCP vs. SDSI - Dividend Comparison

SDCP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.22%, more than SDSI's 4.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	5.22%	5.16%	5.25%	0.59%	0.00%
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	4.79%	4.91%	5.49%	5.37%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDCP and SDSI in my portfolio?

SDCP and SDSI have a correlation of 0.44, 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 SDSI?

SDSI has higher volatility (0.49%) compared to SDCP (0.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDCP dropped -1.00% vs SDSI's -1.29%.

Which ETF is better, SDCP or SDSI?

On 1-year performance, SDSI leads with 4.89% vs 4.18% for SDCP. On fees, SDSI is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, SDCP has been the lower-risk option at 0.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDCP or SDSI?

Over the 1-year period, SDSI has performed better with a 4.89% return vs 4.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDCP or SDSI?

SDSI is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SDCP.

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

SDCP has the higher dividend yield at 5.22%, compared with 4.79% for SDSI.

What is the main difference between SDCP and SDSI?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and American Century. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDCP and 0.33% for SDSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDCP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.16 vs 3.05), 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.