SMTRX vs. SCSBX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) and SCSBX (DWS Total Return Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SMTRX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for SCSBX.

Performance

SMTRX vs. SCSBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and DWS Total Return Bond Fund (SCSBX). 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*: —

SCSBX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: -0.10%
• 6M: -0.31%
• 1Y: 5.38%
• 3Y*: 4.28%
• 5Y*: -0.10%
• 10Y*: 2.04%

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

SMTRX vs. SCSBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.10%
SCSBX DWS Total Return Bond Fund	0.11%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTRX and SCSBX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2026	1.00

Return for Risk

SMTRX vs. SCSBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCSBX

SCSBX Risk / Return Rank: 21
SCSBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
SCSBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
SCSBX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
SCSBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
SCSBX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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. SCSBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and DWS Total Return Bond Fund (SCSBX). 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	SCSBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.02	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.86	1.05	+4.82

Drawdowns

SMTRX vs. SCSBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTRX drawdown since its inception was -0.10%, smaller than the maximum SCSBX drawdown of -21.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTRX and SCSBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTRX	SCSBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.10%	-21.02%	+20.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.27%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.53%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.10%	+3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.03%	-2.82%	+2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMTRX	SCSBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.78%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.90%	3.91%	-2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.90%	5.78%	-3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.90%	4.76%	-2.86%

SMTRX vs. SCSBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMTRX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SCSBX's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMTRX vs. SCSBX - Dividend Comparison

SMTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than SCSBX's 4.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCSBX DWS Total Return Bond Fund	4.77%	4.36%	4.55%	3.91%	3.13%	2.47%	2.30%	3.53%	3.82%	3.19%	2.55%	3.23%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	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 SMTRX and SCSBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, SMTRX and SCSBX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.