SJLD vs. LDSF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SJLD (SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF) and LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SJLD returned 4.58% vs 4.46% for LDSF. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SJLD charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for LDSF.

Performance

SJLD vs. LDSF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SJLD achieves a 1.71% return, which is significantly higher than LDSF's 0.82% return.

SJLD

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.71%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 4.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LDSF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.93%
• 1Y: 4.46%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 2.41%
• 10Y*: —

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

SJLD vs. LDSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	1.71%	5.20%	0.91%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SJLD and LDSF is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.35

Return for Risk

SJLD vs. LDSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SJLD

SJLD Risk / Return Rank: 88
SJLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
SJLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SJLD Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SJLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SJLD Martin Ratio Rank: 92

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 71
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 81
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

SJLD vs. LDSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD) and First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF). 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.

	SJLD	LDSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.18	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.86	3.30	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.45	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	2.57	+1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.13	10.83	+9.30

SJLD vs. LDSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SJLD Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the LDSF Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SJLD and LDSF, 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

SJLD vs. LDSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SJLD drawdown since its inception was -1.04%, smaller than the maximum LDSF drawdown of -8.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SJLD and LDSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SJLD	LDSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.04%	-8.56%	+7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.04%	-1.74%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-7.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.26%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-1.45%	+1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.23%	0.41%	-0.18%

Volatility

SJLD vs. LDSF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD) is 0.29%, while First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) has a volatility of 0.67%. This indicates that SJLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LDSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SJLD	LDSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.29%	0.67%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.16%	1.71%	-0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98%	2.05%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.93%	3.09%	-1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.93%	3.17%	-1.24%

SJLD vs. LDSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SJLD has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than LDSF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

SJLD vs. LDSF - Dividend Comparison

SJLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.43%, less than LDSF's 4.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%
SJLD SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF	4.43%	3.74%	1.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SJLD and LDSF in my portfolio?

SJLD and LDSF have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SJLD or LDSF?

LDSF has higher volatility (0.67%) compared to SJLD (0.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SJLD dropped -1.04% vs LDSF's -8.56%.

Which ETF is better, SJLD or LDSF?

On 1-year performance, SJLD leads with 4.58% vs 4.46% for LDSF. On fees, SJLD is cheaper at 0.35% 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, SJLD or LDSF?

Over the 1-year period, SJLD has performed better with a 4.58% return vs 4.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SJLD or LDSF?

SJLD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

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

LDSF has the higher dividend yield at 4.63%, compared with 4.43% for SJLD.

What is the main difference between SJLD and LDSF?

They also come from different issuers: SanJac Alpha and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SJLD and 0.87% for LDSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SJLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.18), 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.