STXT vs. SYSB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

STXT (Strive Total Return Bond ETF) and SYSB (iShares Systematic Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds - STXT tracks the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index while SYSB tracks the BlackRock Universal Systematic Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, STXT returned 4.34% vs 5.67% for SYSB. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STXT charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for SYSB.

Performance

STXT vs. SYSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXT achieves a 0.19% return, which is significantly lower than SYSB's 0.33% return.

STXT

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 4.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SYSB

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 0.33%
• 6M: 0.43%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: 6.80%
• 5Y*: 1.63%
• 10Y*: 2.31%

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

STXT vs. SYSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	0.19%	6.58%	1.77%	4.09%
SYSB iShares Systematic Bond ETF	0.33%	8.32%	6.04%	5.19%

Correlation

The correlation between STXT and SYSB is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2023	0.68

The correlation between STXT and SYSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STXT vs. SYSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXT

STXT Risk / Return Rank: 30
STXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
STXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
STXT Omega Ratio Rank: 30
STXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
STXT Martin Ratio Rank: 30

SYSB

SYSB Risk / Return Rank: 40
SYSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SYSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SYSB Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SYSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
SYSB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. SYSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB). 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.

	STXT	SYSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.51	-0.38
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	2.15	-0.49
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.27	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	1.90	-0.48
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.35	5.88	-1.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

STXT vs. SYSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXT Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the SYSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXT and SYSB, 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

	STXT	SYSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	1.51	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.51	+0.39

Drawdowns

STXT vs. SYSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXT drawdown since its inception was -5.27%, smaller than the maximum SYSB drawdown of -18.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXT and SYSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXT	SYSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.27%	-18.47%	+13.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.80%	-2.99%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.47%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-1.52%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.36%	-3.28%	+1.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.97%	-0.05%

Volatility

STXT vs. SYSB - Volatility Comparison

Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) have volatilities of 1.49% and 1.42%, 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

	STXT	SYSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	1.42%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	3.13%	-0.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	3.78%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.04%	5.63%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	4.95%	+0.09%

STXT vs. SYSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXT has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SYSB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXT vs. SYSB - Dividend Comparison

STXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, more than SYSB's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STXT Strive Total Return Bond ETF	4.70%	4.93%	5.15%	1.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SYSB iShares Systematic Bond ETF	4.61%	4.78%	5.04%	4.44%	3.27%	1.92%	2.57%	3.27%	3.61%	2.74%	2.92%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXT and SYSB in my portfolio?

STXT and SYSB have a correlation of 0.68, 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 SYSB?

STXT has higher volatility (1.49%) compared to SYSB (1.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXT dropped -5.27% vs SYSB's -18.47%.

Which ETF is better, STXT or SYSB?

On 1-year performance, SYSB leads with 5.67% vs 4.34% for STXT. On fees, SYSB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXT or SYSB?

Over the 1-year period, SYSB has performed better with a 5.67% return vs 4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXT or SYSB?

SYSB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for STXT.

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

STXT has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 4.61% for SYSB.

What is the main difference between STXT and SYSB?

STXT tracks Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, while SYSB tracks BlackRock Universal Systematic Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for STXT and 0.25% for SYSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.13), 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.