SDSI vs. SJLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDSI (American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF) and SJLD (SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. SDSI is passively managed, while SJLD is actively managed. Over the past year, SDSI returned 4.84% vs 4.88% for SJLD. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDSI charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SJLD.

Performance

SDSI vs. SJLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) and SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDSI achieves a 1.35% return, which is significantly lower than SJLD's 1.71% return.

SDSI

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 1.54%
• 1Y: 4.84%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SJLD

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.71%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 4.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDSI vs. SJLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	1.35%	6.54%	0.29%
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	1.71%	5.20%	0.91%

Correlation

The correlation between SDSI and SJLD is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.32

Return for Risk

SDSI vs. SJLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDSI

SDSI Risk / Return Rank: 91
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

SJLD

SJLD Risk / Return Rank: 88
SJLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
SJLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SJLD Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SJLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SJLD Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

SDSI vs. SJLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) and SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD). 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.

	SDSI	SJLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.48	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.58	4.10	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.61	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	4.69	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.56	21.43	-1.86

SDSI vs. SJLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDSI Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is comparable to the SJLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDSI and SJLD, 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

SDSI vs. SJLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDSI drawdown since its inception was -1.29%, which is greater than SJLD's maximum drawdown of -1.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDSI and SJLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDSI	SJLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.29%	-1.04%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.17%	-1.04%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.16%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-0.12%	-0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.25%	0.23%	+0.02%

Volatility

SDSI vs. SJLD - Volatility Comparison

American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) has a higher volatility of 0.49% compared to SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD) at 0.29%. This indicates that SDSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SJLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDSI	SJLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.49%	0.29%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.20%	1.17%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.61%	1.98%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.27%	1.93%	+0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.27%	1.93%	+0.34%

SDSI vs. SJLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDSI has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than SJLD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDSI vs. SJLD - Dividend Comparison

SDSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, more than SJLD's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SDSI American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF	4.78%	4.91%	5.49%	5.37%	0.98%
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	4.43%	3.74%	1.26%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDSI and SJLD in my portfolio?

SDSI and SJLD have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDSI or SJLD?

SDSI has higher volatility (0.49%) compared to SJLD (0.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDSI dropped -1.29% vs SJLD's -1.04%.

Which ETF is better, SDSI or SJLD?

On 1-year performance, SJLD leads with 4.88% vs 4.84% for SDSI. On fees, SDSI is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, SJLD has been the lower-risk option at 0.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDSI or SJLD?

Over the 1-year period, SJLD has performed better with a 4.88% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDSI or SJLD?

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

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

SDSI has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 4.43% for SJLD.

What is the main difference between SDSI and SJLD?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 2.48), 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.