SDFI vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SDFI (AB Short Duration Income ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDFI is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Actively Managed, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. SDFI is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past year, SDFI returned 4.06% vs 26.86% for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. SDFI charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

SDFI vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDFI achieves a 0.86% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.23% return.

SDFI

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 6M: 1.16%
• 1Y: 4.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -4.34%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

SDFI vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	0.86%	6.39%	3.73%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.23%	8.07%	2.77%

Correlation

The correlation between SDFI and FAAR is -0.20, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2024	-0.13

Return for Risk

SDFI vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDFI

SDFI Risk / Return Rank: 68
SDFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SDFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SDFI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SDFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SDFI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SDFI vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	SDFI	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.02	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.89	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.35	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.39	4.75	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.75	14.70	-0.95

SDFI vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDFI and FAAR, 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

SDFI vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDFI drawdown since its inception was -1.21%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDFI and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDFI	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.21%	-18.03%	+16.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.20%	-5.68%	+4.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-5.43%	+5.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-7.82%	+7.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	1.89%	-1.59%

Volatility

SDFI vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) is 0.61%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that SDFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDFI	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.61%	2.47%	-1.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.40%	9.68%	-8.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	13.37%	-11.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.48%	12.95%	-10.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.48%	11.53%	-9.05%

SDFI vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDFI has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDFI vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

SDFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	4.61%	4.66%	3.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDFI and FAAR in my portfolio?

SDFI and FAAR have a correlation of -0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDFI or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to SDFI (0.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDFI dropped -1.21% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, SDFI or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 26.86% vs 4.06% for SDFI. On fees, SDFI is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SDFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDFI or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 26.86% return vs 4.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDFI or FAAR?

SDFI is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDFI or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 4.61% for SDFI.

What is the main difference between SDFI and FAAR?

SDFI is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for SDFI and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.98), 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.