SSFI vs. FTBD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SSFI (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF) and FTBD (Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SSFI returned 3.17%/yr vs 5.20%/yr for FTBD. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSFI charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for FTBD.

Performance

SSFI vs. FTBD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF (SSFI) and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSFI achieves a 0.49% return, which is significantly lower than FTBD's 1.43% return.

SSFI

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 6M: 0.60%
• 1Y: 4.04%
• 3Y*: 3.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTBD

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 5.72%
• 3Y*: 5.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SSFI vs. FTBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SSFI Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF	0.49%	6.62%	1.10%	0.50%
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	1.43%	8.35%	1.77%	3.65%

Correlation

The correlation between SSFI and FTBD is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2023	0.93

The correlation between SSFI and FTBD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSFI vs. FTBD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSFI

SSFI Risk / Return Rank: 30
SSFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
SSFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SSFI Omega Ratio Rank: 26
SSFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
SSFI Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FTBD

FTBD Risk / Return Rank: 40
FTBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
FTBD Omega Ratio Rank: 38
FTBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
FTBD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

SSFI vs. FTBD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF (SSFI) and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD). 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.

	SSFI	FTBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	1.35	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	2.00	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.24	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	1.93	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.71	6.42	-1.71

SSFI vs. FTBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is comparable to the FTBD Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSFI and FTBD, 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

SSFI vs. FTBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSFI drawdown since its inception was -16.07%, which is greater than FTBD's maximum drawdown of -6.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSFI and FTBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSFI	FTBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.07%	-6.98%	-9.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.64%	-2.98%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.72%	-6.56%	-0.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	-0.72%	-1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-1.56%	-5.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	0.89%	-0.03%

Volatility

SSFI vs. FTBD - Volatility Comparison

Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF (SSFI) has a higher volatility of 1.21% compared to Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD) at 1.09%. This indicates that SSFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSFI	FTBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.21%	1.09%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	3.22%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	4.27%	-0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.75%	5.84%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.75%	5.84%	-0.09%

SSFI vs. FTBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSFI has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than FTBD's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSFI vs. FTBD - Dividend Comparison

SSFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.36%, less than FTBD's 5.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	5.01%	5.04%	4.76%	4.69%	0.00%	0.00%
SSFI Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF	3.36%	3.51%	3.64%	3.97%	1.87%	0.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSFI and FTBD in my portfolio?

SSFI and FTBD have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SSFI or FTBD?

SSFI has higher volatility (1.21%) compared to FTBD (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSFI dropped -16.07% vs FTBD's -6.98%.

Which ETF is better, SSFI or FTBD?

On 3-year performance, FTBD leads with 5.20% vs 3.17% for SSFI. On fees, FTBD is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, FTBD has been the lower-risk option at 1.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSFI or FTBD?

Over the 3-year period, FTBD has performed better with a 5.20% return vs 3.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSFI or FTBD?

FTBD is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.81% for SSFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SSFI or FTBD?

FTBD has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 3.36% for SSFI.

What is the main difference between SSFI and FTBD?

They also come from different issuers: Day Hagan and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.81% for SSFI and 0.55% for FTBD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 1.02), 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.