SMTH vs. FTRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMTH (ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF) and FTRB (Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMTH returned 5.19% vs 5.52% for FTRB. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMTH charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for FTRB.

Performance

SMTH vs. FTRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) and Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF (FTRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMTH achieves a 0.34% return, which is significantly higher than FTRB's 0.07% return.

SMTH

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: 0.02%
• 1Y: 5.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTRB

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 0.07%
• 6M: -0.04%
• 1Y: 5.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMTH vs. FTRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMTH ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF	0.34%	6.86%	3.53%
FTRB Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF	0.07%	7.60%	2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTH and FTRB is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2024	0.80

The correlation between SMTH and FTRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMTH vs. FTRB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMTH	FTRB
Energy	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

SMTH vs. FTRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMTH

SMTH Risk / Return Rank: 38
SMTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SMTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SMTH Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SMTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SMTH Martin Ratio Rank: 37

FTRB

FTRB Risk / Return Rank: 43
FTRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
FTRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
FTRB Omega Ratio Rank: 45
FTRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
FTRB Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

SMTH vs. FTRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) and Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF (FTRB). 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.

	SMTH	FTRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.54	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.26	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.28	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	1.98	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.72	6.22	-0.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMTH vs. FTRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMTH Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the FTRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMTH and FTRB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMTH	FTRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	1.54	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.19	0.93	+0.26

Drawdowns

SMTH vs. FTRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTH drawdown since its inception was -4.11%, smaller than the maximum FTRB drawdown of -4.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTH and FTRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTH	FTRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-4.83%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.74%	-2.80%	+0.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-1.58%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.06%	-1.29%	+0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	0.89%	+0.02%

Volatility

SMTH vs. FTRB - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) and Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF (FTRB) have volatilities of 1.31% and 1.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMTH	FTRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	1.31%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	2.62%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88%	3.59%	+0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.59%	4.56%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.59%	4.56%	+0.03%

SMTH vs. FTRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMTH has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than FTRB's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMTH vs. FTRB - Dividend Comparison

SMTH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.40%, more than FTRB's 4.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTRB Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF	4.30%	4.46%	4.40%	0.00%
SMTH ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF	4.40%	4.46%	4.58%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMTH and FTRB in my portfolio?

SMTH and FTRB have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMTH or FTRB?

FTRB has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to SMTH (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMTH dropped -4.11% vs FTRB's -4.83%.

Which ETF is better, SMTH or FTRB?

On 1-year performance, FTRB leads with 5.52% vs 5.19% for SMTH. On fees, FTRB is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMTH or FTRB?

Over the 1-year period, FTRB has performed better with a 5.52% return vs 5.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMTH or FTRB?

FTRB is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SMTH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMTH or FTRB?

SMTH has the higher dividend yield at 4.40%, compared with 4.30% for FTRB.

What is the main difference between SMTH and FTRB?

They also come from different issuers: ALPS and Federated. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SMTH and 0.39% for FTRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.34), 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.