SMRF vs. CEFS

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

SMRF (ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF) and CEFS (Saba Closed-End Funds ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMRF is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by ALPS, while CEFS is a Event Driven fund actively managed by Exchange Traded Concepts. Both are actively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMRF charges 0.65%/yr vs 2.61%/yr for CEFS.

Performance

SMRF vs. CEFS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) and Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMRF

• 1D: 1.90%
• 1M: -0.53%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CEFS

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: 14.21%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: 13.76%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMRF vs. CEFS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMRF ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF	0.00%
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	11.15%

Correlation

The correlation between SMRF and CEFS is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	0.67

Return for Risk

SMRF vs. CEFS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMRF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

CEFS

CEFS Risk / Return Rank: 85
CEFS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
CEFS Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
CEFS Omega Ratio Rank: 83
CEFS Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
CEFS Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

SMRF vs. CEFS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) and Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS). 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.

	SMRF	CEFS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.10	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.04	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.39	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.94	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.91	—

Drawdowns

SMRF vs. CEFS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMRF drawdown since its inception was -17.20%, smaller than the maximum CEFS drawdown of -38.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMRF and CEFS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMRF	CEFS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.20%	-38.99%	+21.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.67%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.37%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.19%	-1.59%	-12.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.73%	-3.64%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.50%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMRF	CEFS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.61%	10.64%	+33.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.61%	13.22%	+31.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.61%	15.33%	+29.28%

SMRF vs. CEFS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMRF has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than CEFS's 2.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMRF vs. CEFS - Dividend Comparison

SMRF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.30%, less than CEFS's 7.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	7.13%	7.84%	8.79%	9.20%	11.32%	10.73%	8.61%	8.10%	10.43%	5.02%
SMRF ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMRF and CEFS in my portfolio?

SMRF and CEFS have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMRF or CEFS?

On fees, SMRF is cheaper at 0.65% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMRF or CEFS?

SMRF is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 2.61% for CEFS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMRF or CEFS?

CEFS has the higher dividend yield at 7.13%, compared with 0.30% for SMRF.

What is the main difference between SMRF and CEFS?

SMRF is categorized as Actively Managed, while CEFS is Event Driven. They also come from different issuers: ALPS and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SMRF and 2.61% for CEFS.