SSFI vs. SSXU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SSFI (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF) and SSXU (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSFI is a Nontraditional Bonds fund actively managed by Day Hagan, while SSXU is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Day Hagan. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SSFI returned 3.18%/yr vs 12.85%/yr for SSXU. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SSFI charges 0.81%/yr vs 1.15%/yr for SSXU.

Performance

SSFI vs. SSXU - 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 Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSFI achieves a 0.20% return, which is significantly lower than SSXU's 5.10% return.

SSFI

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.20%
• 6M: -0.02%
• 1Y: 4.52%
• 3Y*: 3.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SSXU

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 5.10%
• 6M: 7.19%
• 1Y: 18.49%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SSFI vs. SSXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SSFI Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF	0.20%	6.62%	1.10%	4.26%	-4.21%
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	5.10%	27.09%	5.28%	9.56%	2.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SSFI and SSXU is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 5, 2022	0.37

SSFI vs. SSXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSFI	SSXU
Financial Services	100.0%	22.4%
Basic Materials	-	8.9%
Communication Services	-	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.9%
Energy	-	5.6%
Healthcare	-	7.6%
Industrials	-	18.8%
Real Estate	-	3.0%
Technology	-	9.3%
Utilities	-	3.8%

Return for Risk

SSFI vs. SSXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSFI

SSFI Risk / Return Rank: 33
SSFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
SSFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SSFI Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SSFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SSFI Martin Ratio Rank: 36

SSXU

SSXU Risk / Return Rank: 38
SSXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SSXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SSXU Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SSXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
SSXU 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.

SSFI vs. SSXU - 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 Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU). 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.

	SSFI	SSXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.36	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.94	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.25	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	1.73	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.48	6.18	-0.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SSFI vs. SSXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the SSXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSFI and SSXU, 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

	SSFI	SSXU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.15	1.36	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.04	0.86	-0.90

Drawdowns

SSFI vs. SSXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSFI drawdown since its inception was -16.07%, which is greater than SSXU's maximum drawdown of -13.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSFI and SSXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSFI	SSXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.07%	-13.91%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.64%	-10.71%	+8.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.72%	-13.91%	+7.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-3.48%	+1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-3.22%	-4.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	3.00%	-2.17%

Volatility

SSFI vs. SSXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF (SSFI) is 1.43%, while Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) has a volatility of 4.41%. This indicates that SSFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SSXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSFI	SSXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.43%	4.41%	-2.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.73%	11.41%	-8.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.96%	13.61%	-9.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.76%	14.38%	-8.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.76%	14.38%	-8.62%

SSFI vs. SSXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSFI has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is lower than SSXU's 1.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSFI vs. SSXU - Dividend Comparison

SSFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.37%, more than SSXU's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SSFI Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF	3.37%	3.51%	3.64%	3.97%	1.87%	0.71%
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	2.53%	2.66%	2.74%	2.07%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSFI and SSXU in my portfolio?

SSFI and SSXU have a correlation of 0.41, 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 SSXU?

SSXU has higher volatility (4.41%) compared to SSFI (1.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSFI dropped -16.07% vs SSXU's -13.91%.

Which ETF is better, SSFI or SSXU?

On 3-year performance, SSXU leads with 12.85% vs 3.18% for SSFI. On fees, SSFI is cheaper at 0.81% per year. On volatility, SSFI has been the lower-risk option at 1.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSFI or SSXU?

Over the 3-year period, SSXU has performed better with a 12.85% return vs 3.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSFI or SSXU?

SSFI is cheaper with a 0.81% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for SSXU.

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

SSFI has the higher dividend yield at 3.37%, compared with 2.53% for SSXU.

What is the main difference between SSFI and SSXU?

SSFI is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while SSXU is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.81% for SSFI and 1.15% for SSXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.15), 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.