SSAFX vs. SPAB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SSAFX (State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio) and SPAB (SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF) are both funds - SSAFX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by State Street, while SPAB is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Over the past 10 years, SSAFX returned 27.82%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for SPAB. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSAFX charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SPAB.

Performance

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio (SSAFX) and SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSAFX achieves a 0.62% return, which is significantly higher than SPAB's 0.41% return. Over the past 10 years, SSAFX has outperformed SPAB with an annualized return of 27.82%, while SPAB has yielded a comparatively lower 1.50% annualized return.

SSAFX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 0.77%
• 1Y: 4.76%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: -0.06%
• 10Y*: 27.82%

SPAB

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: 3.95%
• 5Y*: 0.04%
• 10Y*: 1.50%

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

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SSAFX State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio	0.62%	6.81%	1.34%	5.61%	-13.30%	-1.72%	978.57%	8.69%	-0.12%	3.38%
SPAB SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF	0.41%	7.25%	1.25%	5.56%	-13.04%	-1.77%	7.39%	8.67%	-0.18%	3.71%

Correlation

The correlation between SSAFX and SPAB is 0.97 - 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2014	0.92

The correlation between SSAFX and SPAB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSAFX vs. SPAB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSAFX

SSAFX Risk / Return Rank: 24
SSAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
SSAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
SSAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
SSAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SSAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

SPAB

SPAB Risk / Return Rank: 34
SPAB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SPAB Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SPAB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SPAB Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SPAB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio (SSAFX) and SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB). 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.

	SSAFX	SPAB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.22	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	1.84	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	1.66	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	4.66	+0.41

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSAFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the SPAB Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSAFX and SPAB, 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

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSAFX drawdown since its inception was -18.74%, roughly equal to the maximum SPAB drawdown of -18.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSAFX and SPAB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSAFX	SPAB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.74%	-18.56%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.74%	-2.74%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.09%	-6.08%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.10%	-17.96%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.74%	-18.56%	-0.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-2.15%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.40%	-3.08%	-1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.95%	0.97%	-0.02%

Volatility

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Volatility Comparison

State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio (SSAFX) and SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB) have volatilities of 1.14% and 1.09%, 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

	SSAFX	SPAB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.14%	1.09%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.72%	2.69%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.67%	3.73%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.95%	5.93%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	277.40%	5.55%	+271.85%

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSAFX has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than SPAB's 0.03% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SSAFX vs. SPAB - Dividend Comparison

SSAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than SPAB's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPAB SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF	4.05%	3.97%	3.86%	3.34%	2.59%	2.11%	2.43%	2.92%	2.96%	2.67%	2.63%	2.59%
SSAFX State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio	4.15%	3.70%	3.76%	3.16%	2.49%	1.90%	2.41%	2.88%	2.82%	2.42%	2.21%	3.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSAFX and SPAB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SSAFX and SPAB 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.

Which is riskier, SSAFX or SPAB?

SSAFX has higher volatility (1.14%) compared to SPAB (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSAFX dropped -18.74% vs SPAB's -18.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSAFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 1.22), 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.