AAAA vs. HISF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAAA (Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF) and HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAAA charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for HISF.

Performance

AAAA vs. HISF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF (AAAA) and First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAAA achieves a 12.38% return, which is significantly higher than HISF's 0.03% return.

AAAA

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 12.38%
• 6M: 12.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HISF

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.03%
• 6M: 0.23%
• 1Y: 5.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAAA vs. HISF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAAA Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF	12.38%	9.90%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.03%	4.51%

Correlation

The correlation between AAAA and HISF is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

AAAA vs. HISF — Risk / Return Rank

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

HISF

HISF Risk / Return Rank: 48
HISF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
HISF Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
HISF Omega Ratio Rank: 52
HISF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

AAAA vs. HISF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF (AAAA) and First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAAA	HISF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.41	1.31	+1.10

Drawdowns

AAAA vs. HISF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAAA drawdown since its inception was -7.83%, which is greater than HISF's maximum drawdown of -3.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAAA and HISF.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAAA	HISF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.83%	-3.86%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-1.20%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.99%	-0.89%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.80%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAAA	HISF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.21%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.25%	3.32%	+7.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.25%	3.95%	+7.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.25%	3.95%	+7.30%

AAAA vs. HISF - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAAA has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than HISF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAAA vs. HISF - Dividend Comparison

AAAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than HISF's 5.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AAAA Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF	0.79%	0.79%	0.00%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	5.00%	4.69%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAAA and HISF in my portfolio?

AAAA and HISF have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAAA or HISF?

On fees, AAAA is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAAA or HISF?

AAAA is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for HISF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAAA or HISF?

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 5.00%, compared with 0.79% for AAAA.

What is the main difference between AAAA and HISF?

They also come from different issuers: Amplius and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AAAA and 0.87% for HISF.