SMTRX vs. NPCT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) and NPCT (Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMTRX charges 0.99%/yr vs 5.08%/yr for NPCT.

Performance

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMTRX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NPCT

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: -4.71%
• YTD: 2.11%
• 6M: -0.13%
• 1Y: 1.71%
• 3Y*: 11.99%
• 5Y*: -3.29%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.10%
NPCT Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund	-1.69%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTRX and NPCT is 0.74, 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 May 29, 2026	0.74

Return for Risk

SMTRX vs. NPCT — Risk / Return Rank

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

NPCT

NPCT Risk / Return Rank: 4
NPCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
NPCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
NPCT Omega Ratio Rank: 3
NPCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
NPCT Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMTRX	NPCT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.17	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.86	-0.26	+6.12

Drawdowns

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTRX drawdown since its inception was -0.10%, smaller than the maximum NPCT drawdown of -46.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTRX and NPCT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTRX	NPCT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.10%	-46.77%	+46.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.59%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-17.10%	+17.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.03%	-25.23%	+25.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.70%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMTRX	NPCT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.15%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.90%	9.83%	-7.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.90%	13.12%	-11.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.90%	13.07%	-11.17%

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMTRX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than NPCT's 5.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMTRX vs. NPCT - Dividend Comparison

SMTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than NPCT's 12.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NPCT Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund	12.50%	13.15%	12.20%	10.28%	11.93%	3.94%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMTRX and NPCT in my portfolio?

SMTRX and NPCT have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.