SDFI vs. FBDC

Last updated Jul 15, 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. Over the past year, SDFI returned 3.62% vs -12.28% for FBDC. 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 1.14% return, which is significantly higher than FBDC's -6.34% return.

SDFI

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.90%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 1Y: 3.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBDC

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 1.52%
• 6M: -5.96%
• YTD: -6.34%
• 1Y: -12.28%
• 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	1.14%	2.74%
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-6.34%	-2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SDFI and FBDC is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
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: 77
SDFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SDFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
SDFI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
SDFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SDFI Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FBDC

FBDC Risk / Return Rank: 4
FBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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	1.87	-0.69	+2.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	-0.89	+3.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	0.90	+0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	-0.60	+3.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.10	-1.01	+14.11

SDFI vs. FBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the FBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDFI and FBDC, 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. 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%	-20.60%	+19.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-14.34%	+14.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-10.72%	+10.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.28%	12.18%	-11.90%

Volatility

SDFI vs. FBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) is 0.59%, while FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) has a volatility of 4.23%. This indicates that SDFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDFI	FBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.59%	4.23%	-3.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.43%	14.48%	-13.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97%	17.97%	-16.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	17.83%	-15.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.46%	17.83%	-15.37%

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 4.55%, less than FBDC's 12.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	12.27%	5.41%	0.00%
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	4.55%	4.66%	3.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDFI and FBDC in my portfolio?

SDFI and FBDC have a correlation of 0.16, 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 FBDC?

FBDC has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to SDFI (0.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDFI dropped -1.21% vs FBDC's -20.60%.

Which ETF is better, SDFI or FBDC?

On 1-year performance, SDFI leads with 3.62% vs -12.28% for FBDC. On fees, SDFI is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SDFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDFI or FBDC?

Over the 1-year period, SDFI has performed better with a 3.62% return vs -12.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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 12.27%, compared with 4.55% 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs -0.69), 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.