SIMS vs. FWD

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

SIMS (SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF) and FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) are both Global Equities funds. SIMS is passively managed, while FWD is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SIMS returned 6.15%/yr vs 29.50%/yr for FWD. Their 0.74 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. SIMS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FWD.

Performance

SIMS vs. FWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIMS achieves a 5.98% return, which is significantly lower than FWD's 20.07% return.

SIMS

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -2.75%
• 6M: 0.76%
• YTD: 5.98%
• 1Y: 20.81%
• 3Y*: 6.15%
• 5Y*: 0.17%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.68%

FWD

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -8.86%
• 6M: 11.18%
• YTD: 20.07%
• 1Y: 39.21%
• 3Y*: 29.50%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 31.81%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	$39.66M	$42.86M	$36.96M
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	$11.54K	$25.32K	$26.77K

SIMS vs. FWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	5.98%	23.75%	-0.27%	4.77%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	20.07%	32.00%	29.23%	23.48%

Correlation

The correlation between SIMS and FWD is 0.77, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.74

The correlation between SIMS and FWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

SIMS vs. FWD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIMS	FWD
Industrials	49.6%	16.7%
Technology	23.3%	51.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	3.4%
Energy	6.5%	0.8%
Utilities	5.5%	0.3%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.8%
Basic Materials	3.7%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.8%
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	8.1%
Real Estate	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

SIMS vs. FWD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SIMS

SIMS Risk / Return Rank: 31
SIMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SIMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SIMS Omega Ratio Rank: 30
SIMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SIMS Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 51
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SIMS vs. FWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). 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.

	SIMS	FWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	1.24	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.16	1.72	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.22	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	1.78	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.91	6.86	-3.95

SIMS vs. FWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIMS Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is lower than the FWD Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIMS and FWD, 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

SIMS vs. FWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIMS drawdown since its inception was -43.97%, which is greater than FWD's maximum drawdown of -29.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIMS and FWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIMS	FWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.97%	-29.02%	-14.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.79%	-20.49%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.70%	-29.02%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.95%	-15.78%	+8.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.87%	-4.26%	-11.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.36%	5.32%	+1.04%

Volatility

SIMS vs. FWD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is 5.59%, while AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) has a volatility of 11.37%. This indicates that SIMS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIMS	FWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	11.37%	-5.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.34%	24.87%	-9.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.52%	29.47%	-4.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.26%	26.00%	-0.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.98%	26.00%	-0.02%

SIMS vs. FWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIMS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FWD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIMS vs. FWD - Dividend Comparison

SIMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than FWD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.09%	0.11%	1.89%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	0.56%	0.66%	0.88%	1.49%	1.48%	0.97%	0.58%	1.24%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIMS and FWD in my portfolio?

SIMS and FWD have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIMS or FWD?

FWD has higher volatility (11.37%) compared to SIMS (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIMS dropped -43.97% vs FWD's -29.02%.

Which ETF is better, SIMS or FWD?

On 3-year performance, FWD leads with 29.50% vs 6.15% for SIMS. On fees, SIMS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, SIMS has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIMS or FWD?

Over the 3-year period, FWD has performed better with a 29.50% return vs 6.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIMS or FWD?

SIMS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FWD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SIMS or FWD?

SIMS has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.09% for FWD.

What is the main difference between SIMS and FWD?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for SIMS and 0.65% for FWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FWD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 0.76), 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.