SDFI vs. FBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDFI (AB Short Duration Income ETF) and FBDC (FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDFI is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Actively Managed, while FBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. SDFI is passively managed, while FBDC is actively managed. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDFI charges 0.30%/yr vs 1.35%/yr for FBDC.

Performance

SDFI vs. FBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDFI achieves a 0.89% return, which is significantly higher than FBDC's -10.39% return.

SDFI

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.89%
• 6M: 1.13%
• 1Y: 3.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBDC

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -1.24%
• YTD: -10.39%
• 6M: -8.60%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDFI vs. FBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	0.89%	2.74%
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-10.39%	-2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SDFI and FBDC is 0.15, 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 Jun 30, 2025	0.15

Return for Risk

SDFI vs. FBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDFI

SDFI Risk / Return Rank: 71
SDFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SDFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SDFI Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SDFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SDFI Martin Ratio Rank: 77

FBDC

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.

SDFI vs. FBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) and FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC). 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	FBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.25	—	—

Drawdowns

SDFI vs. FBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDFI drawdown since its inception was -1.21%, smaller than the maximum FBDC drawdown of -20.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDFI and FBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDFI	FBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.21%	-20.60%	+19.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-18.04%	+17.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-10.44%	+10.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SDFI	FBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.61%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.39%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	18.00%	-15.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.48%	18.00%	-15.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.48%	18.00%	-15.52%

SDFI vs. FBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDFI has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FBDC's 1.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDFI vs. FBDC - Dividend Comparison

SDFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, less than FBDC's 11.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	11.63%	5.41%	0.00%
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	4.61%	4.66%	3.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDFI and FBDC in my portfolio?

SDFI and FBDC have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SDFI or FBDC?

On fees, SDFI 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, SDFI or FBDC?

SDFI is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 1.35% for FBDC.

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

FBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.63%, compared with 4.61% for SDFI.

What is the main difference between SDFI and FBDC?

SDFI is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while FBDC is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for SDFI and 1.35% for FBDC.