DYLD vs. HISF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DYLD (LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF) and HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DYLD is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by LeaderShares, while HISF is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DYLD returned 3.71% vs 4.83% for HISF. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DYLD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for HISF.

Performance

DYLD vs. HISF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD) 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, DYLD achieves a 1.07% return, which is significantly higher than HISF's 0.24% return.

DYLD

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.07%
• 6M: 1.20%
• 1Y: 3.71%
• 3Y*: 4.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HISF

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 4.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DYLD vs. HISF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DYLD LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF	1.07%	5.02%	4.19%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.24%	8.39%	3.41%

Correlation

The correlation between DYLD and HISF is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	0.75

The correlation between DYLD and HISF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DYLD vs. HISF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DYLD

DYLD Risk / Return Rank: 54
DYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
DYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 62

HISF

HISF Risk / Return Rank: 41
HISF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
HISF Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
HISF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
HISF Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

DYLD vs. HISF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD) 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.

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.

	DYLD	HISF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.45	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.12	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.27	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	1.67	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.27	5.78	+4.49

DYLD vs. HISF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DYLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the HISF Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DYLD 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.

Drawdowns

DYLD vs. HISF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DYLD drawdown since its inception was -15.03%, which is greater than HISF's maximum drawdown of -3.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DYLD and HISF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DYLD	HISF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-3.86%	-11.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.32%	-2.90%	+1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-0.99%	+0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.12%	-0.89%	-4.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.36%	0.84%	-0.48%

Volatility

DYLD vs. HISF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD) is 0.48%, while First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) has a volatility of 0.97%. This indicates that DYLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HISF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DYLD	HISF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.48%	0.97%	-0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.94%	2.69%	-0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45%	3.35%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.37%	3.94%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.37%	3.94%	+0.43%

DYLD vs. HISF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DYLD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than HISF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

DYLD vs. HISF - Dividend Comparison

DYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.33%, less than HISF's 4.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DYLD LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF	4.33%	4.20%	4.58%	3.43%	1.54%	1.02%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DYLD and HISF in my portfolio?

DYLD and HISF have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DYLD or HISF?

HISF has higher volatility (0.97%) compared to DYLD (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DYLD dropped -15.03% vs HISF's -3.86%.

Which ETF is better, DYLD or HISF?

On 1-year performance, HISF leads with 4.83% vs 3.71% for DYLD. On fees, DYLD is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, DYLD has been the lower-risk option at 0.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DYLD or HISF?

Over the 1-year period, HISF has performed better with a 4.83% return vs 3.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DYLD or HISF?

DYLD is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for HISF.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 4.33% for DYLD.

What is the main difference between DYLD and HISF?

DYLD is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while HISF is Diversified Portfolio. They also come from different issuers: LeaderShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for DYLD and 0.87% for HISF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.45), 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.