The Best High Yield Bonds ETFs
The table below compares the performance and other essential indicators like dividend yield and expense ratio of High Yield Bonds ETFs.
High-yield bonds ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds with lower credit ratings, also known as "junk bonds". These bonds are issued by companies or municipalities with a higher risk of default and thus offer higher yields to compensate for the added risk. As a result, high-yield bonds are considered to be a higher-risk, higher-return investment than investment-grade bonds, which are issued by companies or municipalities with better credit ratings.
- Number of ETFs
- 117
- Avg. Expense Ratio
- 0.44%
- Avg. Dividend Yield
- 5.90%
- Avg. 1 Year Return
- 6.23%
- Median Risk/Return Score
- 62 / 100
The Best High Yield Bonds ETFs
1 result
| Symbol | Full Name | Category | Inception | Expense Ratio | YTD Return | 10Y Return (Annualized) | Dividend Yield | Risk / Return Rank | Max. Drawdown | Sharpe Ratio | Sortino Ratio | Omega Ratio | Martin Ratio | Calmar Ratio | Ulcer Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaneck Australian Subordinated Debt ETF | High Yield Bonds | Oct 28, 2019 | 0.29% | 2.10% | — | 5.35% | 99 |
Best High Yield Bonds ETFs by Risk/Return Score
The top High Yield Bonds ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are IBHE (98) and BSJQ (96).
The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.
| Symbol | Name | Risk / Return Rank | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares iBonds 2025 Term High Yield & Income ETF | 98 | 364.90M | May 2019 | |
| Invesco BulletShares 2026 High Yield Corp Bond ETF | 96 | 1.03B | Aug 2018 | |
| BondBloxx US High Yield Energy Sector ETF | 95 | 5.96M | Feb 2022 | |
| iShares iBonds 1-5 Year High Yield and Income Ladd... | 87 | 8.41M | Nov 2024 | |
| Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF | 85 | 615.17M | Feb 2015 |
Best-Performing High Yield Bonds ETFs Over 5 Years
The top High Yield Bonds ETFs is HYHG (6.99%).
Across the lineup, High Yield Bonds ETFs show an average 1-year return of 6.23% and an average 5-year return of 3.86%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.
| Symbol | Name | Return 5Y | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProShares High Yield-Interest Rate Hedged | 6.99% | 173.54M | May 2013 | |
| iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF | 6.93% | 529.12M | May 2014 | |
| WisdomTree Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond Fu... | 6.23% | 234.27M | Dec 2013 | |
| Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF | 5.94% | 615.17M | Feb 2015 | |
| Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF | 5.18% | 853.20M | May 2018 |
Lowest-Cost High Yield Bonds ETFs
The top High Yield Bonds ETFs is SCYB (0.03%).
With an average expense ratio of 0.44%, High Yield Bonds ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.
| Symbol | Name | Expense Ratio | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwab High Yield Bond ETF | 0.03% | 2.54B | Jul 2023 | |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | 0.05% | 11.07B | Jun 2012 | |
| Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | 0.15% | 3.48B | Dec 2016 | |
| JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bon... | 0.15% | 608.96M | Sep 2016 | |
| iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | 0.15% | 26.83B | Oct 2017 |
Highest-Yield High Yield Bonds ETFs
The top High Yield Bonds ETFs is HYGW (11.59%).
Across the lineup, High Yield Bonds ETFs show an average dividend yield of 5.90%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.
| Symbol | Name | Dividend Yield | AUM | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares High Yield Corporate Bond Buywrite Strateg... | 11.59% | 108.68M | Aug 2022 | |
| BondBloxx CCC Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ... | 10.08% | 274.02M | May 2022 | |
| Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - | 9.05% | 7.67M | Jan 2023 | |
| Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF | 8.35% | 406.85M | Feb 2022 | |
| Polen High Income ETF | 8.14% | 21.55M | Mar 2025 |
Top ETFs Categories
Leveraged Equities · 533 ETFsEurope Equities · 519 ETFsGlobal Equities · 460 ETFsLarge Cap Blend Equities · 451 ETFsDerivative Income · 430 ETFsTechnology Equities · 382 ETFsDefined Outcome · 328 ETFsS&P 500 · 281 ETFsLarge Cap Growth Equities · 249 ETFsDividend · 213 ETFsEmerging Markets Equities · 207 ETFsForeign Large Cap Equities · 205 ETFsCorporate Bonds · 200 ETFsAsia Pacific Equities · 188 ETFsCryptocurrency · 182 ETFsGovernment Bonds · 175 ETFsLarge Cap Value Equities · 172 ETFsOptions Trading · 158 ETFsEnergy Equities · 151 ETFsMunicipal Bonds · 143 ETFsHealth & Biotech Equities · 135 ETFsNasdaq-100 · 130 ETFsREIT · 130 ETFsPrecious Metals · 122 ETFsDiversified Portfolio · 118 ETFsChina Equities · 115 ETFsEuropean Government Bonds · 115 ETFsFinancials Equities · 113 ETFsJapan Equities · 113 ETFsCommodities · 108 ETFs
Top ETFs Comparisons
Compare the top ETFs symbols based on PortfoliosLab usage data.
Risk vs. Return Scatterplot
The Risk vs. Return Scatterplot allows you to quickly compare funds, stocks, and ETFs in one view. It displays the yearly return of an instrument on one axis and the risk (volatility) on the other.
Loading charts...
5 Years