CDX vs. HIGH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CDX (Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF) and HIGH (Simplify Enhanced Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CDX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify, while HIGH is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CDX returned 7.17%/yr vs 3.02%/yr for HIGH. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CDX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for HIGH.

Performance

CDX vs. HIGH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CDX achieves a -2.44% return, which is significantly lower than HIGH's -0.38% return.

CDX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.71%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.70%
• 1Y: -1.77%
• 3Y*: 7.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HIGH

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: -0.38%
• 6M: -1.48%
• 1Y: -3.46%
• 3Y*: 3.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CDX vs. HIGH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	-2.44%	9.51%	7.71%	12.74%	0.29%
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	-0.38%	4.35%	1.52%	7.70%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between CDX and HIGH is 0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2022	0.11

CDX vs. HIGH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CDX	HIGH
Technology	24.6%	-
Industrials	15.1%	-
Healthcare	14.2%	-
Financial Services	10.0%	71.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	-
Energy	6.9%	-
Real Estate	4.2%	-
Communication Services	4.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	-
Utilities	2.9%	-

Return for Risk

CDX vs. HIGH — Risk / Return Rank

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

CDX

CDX Risk / Return Rank: 5
CDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
CDX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

HIGH

HIGH Risk / Return Rank: 5
HIGH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
HIGH Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
HIGH Omega Ratio Rank: 4
HIGH Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
HIGH Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

CDX vs. HIGH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). 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.

	CDX	HIGH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.31	-0.39	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.40	-0.51	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	0.94	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.43	-0.37	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.00	-0.53	-0.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CDX vs. HIGH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CDX Sharpe Ratio is -0.31, which is comparable to the HIGH Sharpe Ratio of -0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CDX and HIGH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CDX	HIGH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.31	-0.39	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.39	-0.01

Drawdowns

CDX vs. HIGH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CDX drawdown since its inception was -13.24%, which is greater than HIGH's maximum drawdown of -9.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CDX and HIGH.

Drawdown Indicators

	CDX	HIGH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.24%	-9.50%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.18%	-9.50%	+5.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.88%	-9.50%	+0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.41%	-7.11%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.34%	-2.37%	-1.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.77%	6.53%	-4.76%

Volatility

CDX vs. HIGH - Volatility Comparison

Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) has a higher volatility of 1.61% compared to Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH) at 1.23%. This indicates that CDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HIGH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CDX	HIGH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.61%	1.23%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.72%	3.50%	+1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.69%	8.83%	-3.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.10%	9.56%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.10%	9.56%	+1.54%

CDX vs. HIGH - Expense Ratio Comparison

CDX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than HIGH's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

CDX vs. HIGH - Dividend Comparison

CDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.37%, more than HIGH's 7.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	8.37%	7.18%	12.60%	5.26%	7.51%
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	7.33%	7.71%	8.34%	9.40%	0.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CDX and HIGH in my portfolio?

CDX and HIGH have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CDX or HIGH?

CDX has higher volatility (1.61%) compared to HIGH (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CDX dropped -13.24% vs HIGH's -9.50%.

Which ETF is better, CDX or HIGH?

On 3-year performance, CDX leads with 7.17% vs 3.02% for HIGH. On fees, CDX is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, HIGH has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CDX or HIGH?

Over the 3-year period, CDX has performed better with a 7.17% return vs 3.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CDX or HIGH?

CDX is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for HIGH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CDX or HIGH?

CDX has the higher dividend yield at 8.37%, compared with 7.33% for HIGH.

What is the main difference between CDX and HIGH?

CDX is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while HIGH is Derivative Income. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for CDX and 0.51% for HIGH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.31 vs -0.39), 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.