FOVL vs. SHYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FOVL (iShares Focused Value Factor ETF) and SHYM (iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FOVL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Focused Value Factor Index, while SHYM is a High Yield Muni fund actively managed by iShares. FOVL is passively managed, while SHYM is actively managed. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FOVL charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SHYM.

Performance

FOVL vs. SHYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Focused Value Factor ETF (FOVL) and iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF (SHYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

FOVL

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SHYM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 1.93%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 5.18%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 0.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

FOVL vs. SHYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FOVL iShares Focused Value Factor ETF	0.00%	6.43%	22.87%	17.72%	-9.39%	9.28%
SHYM iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF	1.93%	2.58%	6.99%	9.67%	-15.96%	6.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FOVL and SHYM is -0.23, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2021	0.09

The correlation between FOVL and SHYM shifts across timeframes, from -0.23 (1 year) to 0.10 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FOVL vs. SHYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHYM

SHYM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SHYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SHYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SHYM Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SHYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SHYM Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

FOVL vs. SHYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Focused Value Factor ETF (FOVL) and iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF (SHYM). 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

	FOVL	SHYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.27	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	FOVL	SHYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-22.55%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.23%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-8.06%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.55%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	0.00%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-6.76%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FOVL	SHYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.77%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.81%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.99%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	7.07%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	6.95%	—

FOVL vs. SHYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FOVL has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SHYM's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FOVL vs. SHYM - Dividend Comparison

FOVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, less than SHYM's 4.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FOVL iShares Focused Value Factor ETF	0.55%	1.36%	2.08%	2.59%	3.38%	2.80%	2.88%	2.09%
SHYM iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF	4.30%	4.55%	4.35%	4.35%	4.01%	2.97%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FOVL and SHYM in my portfolio?

FOVL and SHYM have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FOVL or SHYM?

On fees, FOVL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FOVL or SHYM?

FOVL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SHYM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FOVL or SHYM?

SHYM has the higher dividend yield at 4.30%, compared with 0.55% for FOVL.

What is the main difference between FOVL and SHYM?

FOVL is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while SHYM is High Yield Muni. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FOVL and 0.35% for SHYM.