USPX vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index, while BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone. USPX is passively managed, while BAMU is actively managed. Over the past year, USPX returned 26.62% vs 2.89% for BAMU. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. USPX charges 0.03%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

USPX vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USPX achieves a 9.89% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.16% return.

USPX

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: 26.62%
• 3Y*: 20.85%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

BAMU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USPX vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	9.89%	17.78%	24.97%	12.27%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.16%	3.21%	4.14%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between USPX and BAMU is -0.15, 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	-0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	-0.01

The correlation between USPX and BAMU shifts across timeframes, from -0.15 (1 year) to -0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

USPX vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 98
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

USPX vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	USPX	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	5.01	-2.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	8.84	-5.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	2.43	-1.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	24.72	-21.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.82	97.89	-85.07

USPX vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is lower than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 5.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USPX and BAMU, 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

USPX vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USPX drawdown since its inception was -31.21%, which is greater than BAMU's maximum drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USPX and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	USPX	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.21%	-0.36%	-30.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-0.12%	-9.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	0.00%	-1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-0.02%	-4.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	0.03%	+2.04%

Volatility

USPX vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) has a higher volatility of 4.78% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.09%. This indicates that USPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USPX	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	0.09%	+4.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.06%	0.40%	+9.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.65%	0.58%	+12.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.27%	0.87%	+15.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.96%	0.87%	+15.09%

USPX vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

USPX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

USPX vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

USPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, less than BAMU's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	0.82%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USPX and BAMU in my portfolio?

USPX and BAMU have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USPX or BAMU?

USPX has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to BAMU (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USPX dropped -31.21% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, USPX or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, USPX leads with 26.62% vs 2.89% for BAMU. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USPX or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, USPX has performed better with a 26.62% return vs 2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USPX or BAMU?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USPX or BAMU?

BAMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 0.82% for USPX.

What is the main difference between USPX and BAMU?

USPX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BAMU is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for USPX and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.01 vs 2.10), 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.