UPSD vs. CEFS

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

UPSD (Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF) and CEFS (Saba Closed-End Funds ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UPSD is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by Aptus, while CEFS is a Event Driven fund actively managed by Exchange Traded Concepts. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, UPSD returned 17.13% vs 22.27% for CEFS. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UPSD charges 0.79%/yr vs 2.61%/yr for CEFS.

Performance

UPSD vs. CEFS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) and Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UPSD achieves a 8.09% return, which is significantly lower than CEFS's 13.86% return.

UPSD

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.68%
• 6M: 6.70%
• YTD: 8.09%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CEFS

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: 14.21%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: 13.76%
• 10Y*: —

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

UPSD vs. CEFS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	8.09%	12.83%	-4.67%
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	13.86%	16.67%	-0.50%

Correlation

The correlation between UPSD and CEFS is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.58

The correlation between UPSD and CEFS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

UPSD vs. CEFS — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPSD

UPSD Risk / Return Rank: 40
UPSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
UPSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
UPSD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
UPSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
UPSD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

CEFS

CEFS Risk / Return Rank: 85
CEFS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
CEFS Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
CEFS Omega Ratio Rank: 83
CEFS Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
CEFS Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

UPSD vs. CEFS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) and Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS). 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.

	UPSD	CEFS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.10	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	3.04	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	3.94	-2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	14.91	-9.25

UPSD vs. CEFS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPSD Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the CEFS Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPSD and CEFS, 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

UPSD vs. CEFS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPSD drawdown since its inception was -23.85%, smaller than the maximum CEFS drawdown of -38.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPSD and CEFS.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPSD	CEFS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.85%	-38.99%	+15.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-5.67%	-6.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.37%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.59%	+1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-3.64%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	1.50%	+1.53%

Volatility

UPSD vs. CEFS - Volatility Comparison

Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) has a higher volatility of 4.36% compared to Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS) at 4.09%. This indicates that UPSD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CEFS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UPSD	CEFS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	4.09%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	9.16%	+1.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	10.64%	+3.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	13.22%	+7.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	15.33%	+5.51%

UPSD vs. CEFS - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPSD has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than CEFS's 2.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPSD vs. CEFS - Dividend Comparison

UPSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, less than CEFS's 7.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CEFS Saba Closed-End Funds ETF	7.13%	7.84%	8.79%	9.20%	11.32%	10.73%	8.61%	8.10%	10.43%	5.02%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	0.66%	0.67%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPSD and CEFS in my portfolio?

UPSD and CEFS have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPSD or CEFS?

UPSD has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to CEFS (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPSD dropped -23.85% vs CEFS's -38.99%.

Which ETF is better, UPSD or CEFS?

On 1-year performance, CEFS leads with 22.27% vs 17.13% for UPSD. On fees, UPSD is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, CEFS has been the lower-risk option at 4.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPSD or CEFS?

Over the 1-year period, CEFS has performed better with a 22.27% return vs 17.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPSD or CEFS?

UPSD is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 2.61% for CEFS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UPSD or CEFS?

CEFS has the higher dividend yield at 7.13%, compared with 0.66% for UPSD.

What is the main difference between UPSD and CEFS?

UPSD is categorized as Actively Managed, while CEFS is Event Driven. They also come from different issuers: Aptus and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for UPSD and 2.61% for CEFS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CEFS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.20), 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.