SYFI vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SYFI (AB Short Duration High Yield ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SYFI is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SYFI returned 6.18% vs 26.86% for FAAR. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SYFI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

SYFI vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) 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, SYFI achieves a 1.86% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.23% return.

SYFI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 1.86%
• 6M: 2.16%
• 1Y: 6.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -4.34%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

SYFI vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	1.86%	7.19%	5.12%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.23%	8.07%	2.77%

Correlation

The correlation between SYFI and FAAR is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2024	0.01

The correlation between SYFI and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SYFI vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYFI

SYFI Risk / Return Rank: 66
SYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SYFI vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) 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.

	SYFI	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.02	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.89	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.35	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	4.75	-1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	14.70	-0.15

SYFI vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SYFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SYFI 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

SYFI vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYFI drawdown since its inception was -4.49%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYFI and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYFI	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-18.03%	+13.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.94%	-5.68%	+3.74%
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	-0.13%	-5.43%	+5.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-7.82%	+7.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	1.89%	-1.46%

Volatility

SYFI vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) is 0.83%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that SYFI 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

	SYFI	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.83%	2.47%	-1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.49%	9.68%	-7.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.23%	13.37%	-10.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.21%	12.95%	-8.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.21%	11.53%	-7.32%

SYFI vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYFI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYFI vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

SYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.11%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	6.11%	6.20%	3.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYFI and FAAR in my portfolio?

SYFI and FAAR have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SYFI or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to SYFI (0.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SYFI dropped -4.49% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, SYFI or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 26.86% vs 6.18% for SYFI. On fees, SYFI is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SYFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SYFI or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 26.86% return vs 6.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYFI or FAAR?

SYFI is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 6.11% for SYFI.

What is the main difference between SYFI and FAAR?

SYFI is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SYFI and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.92), 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.