UCON vs. FIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UCON (First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF) and FIAX (Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, UCON returned 5.89%/yr vs 3.37%/yr for FIAX. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UCON charges 0.86%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for FIAX.

Performance

UCON vs. FIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UCON achieves a 0.76% return, which is significantly lower than FIAX's 1.38% return.

UCON

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 0.76%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 5.01%
• 3Y*: 5.89%
• 5Y*: 2.78%
• 10Y*: —

FIAX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 1.38%
• 6M: 1.86%
• 1Y: 4.35%
• 3Y*: 3.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

UCON vs. FIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
UCON First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF	0.76%	7.00%	4.69%	7.72%	0.60%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	1.38%	2.33%	4.67%	3.44%	-0.37%

Correlation

The correlation between UCON and FIAX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2022	0.32

The correlation between UCON and FIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (all time) to 0.50 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

UCON vs. FIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

UCON

UCON Risk / Return Rank: 50
UCON Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
UCON Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
UCON Omega Ratio Rank: 53
UCON Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
UCON Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FIAX

FIAX Risk / Return Rank: 34
FIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
FIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

UCON vs. FIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). 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.

	UCON	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.06	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	1.56	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.20	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	1.82	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.85	6.62	+1.23

UCON vs. FIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UCON Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the FIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UCON and FIAX, 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

UCON vs. FIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UCON drawdown since its inception was -15.31%, which is greater than FIAX's maximum drawdown of -6.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UCON and FIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	UCON	FIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.31%	-6.26%	-9.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.45%	-2.40%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.85%	-6.26%	+3.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.60%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.24%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.48%	-0.85%	-0.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.64%	0.66%	-0.02%

Volatility

UCON vs. FIAX - Volatility Comparison

First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) have volatilities of 0.85% and 0.84%, 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

	UCON	FIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.85%	0.84%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.37%	3.40%	-1.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99%	4.15%	-1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.90%	4.03%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.88%	4.03%	+1.85%

UCON vs. FIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

UCON has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is lower than FIAX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

UCON vs. FIAX - Dividend Comparison

UCON's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.66%, less than FIAX's 8.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	8.21%	8.17%	8.11%	4.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UCON First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF	4.66%	4.63%	4.95%	4.75%	3.12%	2.20%	3.14%	3.25%	1.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UCON and FIAX in my portfolio?

UCON and FIAX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UCON or FIAX?

UCON has higher volatility (0.85%) compared to FIAX (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UCON dropped -15.31% vs FIAX's -6.26%.

Which ETF is better, UCON or FIAX?

On 3-year performance, UCON leads with 5.89% vs 3.37% for FIAX. On fees, UCON is cheaper at 0.86% 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, UCON or FIAX?

Over the 3-year period, UCON has performed better with a 5.89% return vs 3.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UCON or FIAX?

UCON is cheaper with a 0.86% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for FIAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UCON or FIAX?

FIAX has the higher dividend yield at 8.21%, compared with 4.66% for UCON.

What is the main difference between UCON and FIAX?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Nicholas. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for UCON and 1.04% for FIAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UCON currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.06), 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.