BHYB vs. XDEF

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BHYB (Xtrackers USD High Yield BB-B ex Financials ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BHYB is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA BB-B Non-FNCL Non-Distressed US HY Constrained Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while XDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BHYB charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

BHYB vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers USD High Yield BB-B ex Financials ETF (BHYB) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BHYB

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.01%
• 6M: 1.58%
• YTD: 1.99%
• 1Y: 6.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: -3.50%
• 6M: -99.27%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BHYB vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BHYB Xtrackers USD High Yield BB-B ex Financials ETF	1.99%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.18%

Correlation

The correlation between BHYB and XDEF is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.58

Return for Risk

BHYB vs. XDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BHYB

BHYB Risk / Return Rank: 78
BHYB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
BHYB Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BHYB Omega Ratio Rank: 81
BHYB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
BHYB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

XDEF

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

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.

BHYB vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers USD High Yield BB-B ex Financials ETF (BHYB) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). 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.

	BHYB	XDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	—	—

Drawdowns

BHYB vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BHYB drawdown since its inception was -4.23%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BHYB and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BHYB	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.23%	-99.30%	+95.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-99.27%	+99.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.39%	-75.63%	+75.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BHYB	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.73%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.57%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.40%	141.11%	-137.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.64%	141.11%	-136.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.64%	141.11%	-136.47%

BHYB vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BHYB has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than XDEF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BHYB vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

BHYB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.33%, more than XDEF's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BHYB Xtrackers USD High Yield BB-B ex Financials ETF	6.33%	6.57%	7.04%	0.75%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BHYB and XDEF in my portfolio?

BHYB and XDEF have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BHYB or XDEF?

On fees, BHYB is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BHYB or XDEF?

BHYB is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XDEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BHYB or XDEF?

BHYB has the higher dividend yield at 6.33%, compared with 1.54% for XDEF.

What is the main difference between BHYB and XDEF?

BHYB is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while XDEF is Aerospace & Defense. BHYB tracks ICE BofA BB-B Non-FNCL Non-Distressed US HY Constrained Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for BHYB and 0.35% for XDEF.