DDX vs. HISF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDX (Defined Duration 10 ETF) and HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DDX returned 12.79% vs 5.74% for HISF. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for HISF.

Performance

DDX vs. HISF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) 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, DDX achieves a 4.86% return, which is significantly higher than HISF's 0.03% return.

DDX

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 2.02%
• YTD: 4.86%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: 8.16%
• 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)

DDX vs. HISF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	4.86%	12.02%	3.47%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.03%	8.39%	3.30%

Correlation

The correlation between DDX and HISF is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2024	0.79

The correlation between DDX and HISF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DDX vs. HISF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDX

DDX Risk / Return Rank: 70
DDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DDX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DDX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DDX vs. HISF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) 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.

	DDX	HISF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	1.74	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	2.55	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.32	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	1.99	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.71	7.21	+4.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDX vs. HISF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is higher than the HISF Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDX and HISF, 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

	DDX	HISF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	1.74	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	1.31	-0.94

Drawdowns

DDX vs. HISF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDX drawdown since its inception was -21.27%, which is greater than HISF's maximum drawdown of -3.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDX and HISF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDX	HISF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.27%	-3.86%	-17.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-2.90%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-1.20%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-0.89%	-6.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	0.80%	+0.29%

Volatility

DDX vs. HISF - Volatility Comparison

Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) has a higher volatility of 2.03% compared to First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) at 1.21%. This indicates that DDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HISF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDX	HISF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	1.21%	+0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.46%	2.61%	+1.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.47%	3.32%	+2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.48%	3.95%	+3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.48%	3.95%	+3.53%

DDX vs. HISF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than HISF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDX vs. HISF - Dividend Comparison

DDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, less than HISF's 5.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	3.39%	3.17%	3.11%	2.41%	1.38%	1.14%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	5.00%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDX and HISF in my portfolio?

DDX and HISF have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDX or HISF?

DDX has higher volatility (2.03%) compared to HISF (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDX dropped -21.27% vs HISF's -3.86%.

Which ETF is better, DDX or HISF?

On 1-year performance, DDX leads with 12.79% vs 5.74% for HISF. On fees, DDX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HISF has been the lower-risk option at 1.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDX or HISF?

Over the 1-year period, DDX has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDX or HISF?

DDX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for HISF.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 5.00%, compared with 3.39% for DDX.

What is the main difference between DDX and HISF?

They also come from different issuers: Discipline Funds and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DDX and 0.87% for HISF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.74), 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.