HISF vs. DYLD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and DYLD (LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HISF is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by First Trust, while DYLD is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by LeaderShares. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 4.96% vs 3.84% for DYLD. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HISF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for DYLD.

Performance

HISF vs. DYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HISF achieves a 0.20% return, which is significantly lower than DYLD's 1.06% return.

HISF

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 0.20%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 4.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DYLD

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 3.84%
• 3Y*: 4.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HISF vs. DYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.20%	8.39%	3.41%
DYLD LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF	1.06%	5.02%	4.19%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and DYLD is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	0.75

The correlation between HISF and DYLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HISF vs. DYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

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: 35
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

DYLD

DYLD Risk / Return Rank: 53
DYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
DYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

HISF vs. DYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD). 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.

	HISF	DYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.58	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.33	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.30	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	2.92	-1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.96	10.64	-4.68

HISF vs. DYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the DYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and DYLD, 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

HISF vs. DYLD - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	DYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-15.03%	+11.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-1.32%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.13%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-5.12%	+4.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.36%	+0.47%

Volatility

HISF vs. DYLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) has a higher volatility of 0.97% compared to LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD) at 0.48%. This indicates that HISF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	DYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	0.48%	+0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.70%	1.94%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	2.45%	+0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.95%	4.37%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.95%	4.37%	-0.42%

HISF vs. DYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

HISF vs. DYLD - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, more than DYLD's 4.33% 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 HISF and DYLD in my portfolio?

HISF and DYLD have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HISF or DYLD?

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

Which ETF is better, HISF or DYLD?

On 1-year performance, HISF leads with 4.96% vs 3.84% 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, HISF or DYLD?

Over the 1-year period, HISF has performed better with a 4.96% return vs 3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HISF or DYLD?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between HISF and DYLD?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.49), 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.