STXT vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STXT (Strive Total Return Bond ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STXT is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. STXT is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past year, STXT returned 2.15% vs 28.33% for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. STXT charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

STXT vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXT achieves a -0.75% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

STXT

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.48%
• YTD: -0.75%
• 6M: -0.49%
• 1Y: 2.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

STXT vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	-0.75%	6.58%	1.77%	4.30%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	5.97%	-2.15%

Correlation

The correlation between STXT and FAAR is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 10, 2023	-0.13

Return for Risk

STXT vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXT

STXT Risk / Return Rank: 17
STXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
STXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
STXT Omega Ratio Rank: 16
STXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
STXT Martin Ratio Rank: 19

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 75
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

STXT vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	STXT	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	2.15	-1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	3.09	-2.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.37	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	4.52	-3.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.05	15.18	-13.13

STXT vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXT Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXT and FAAR, 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

STXT vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXT drawdown since its inception was -5.27%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXT and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXT	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.27%	-18.03%	+12.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.80%	-6.29%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.58%	-6.29%	+3.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.38%	-7.82%	+6.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	1.87%	-0.82%

Volatility

STXT vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) is 1.36%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.55%. This indicates that STXT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXT	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	2.55%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.94%	9.68%	-6.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88%	13.38%	-9.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	12.96%	-7.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	11.54%	-6.50%

STXT vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXT has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXT vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

STXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.66%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	4.75%	4.93%	5.15%	1.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXT and FAAR in my portfolio?

STXT and FAAR have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STXT or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.55%) compared to STXT (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXT dropped -5.27% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, STXT or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 28.33% vs 2.15% for STXT. On fees, STXT is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, STXT has been the lower-risk option at 1.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXT or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 28.33% return vs 2.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXT or FAAR?

STXT is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXT or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 4.75% for STXT.

What is the main difference between STXT and FAAR?

STXT is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Strive and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for STXT and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.56), 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.