HISF vs. FTBI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and FTBI (First Trust Balanced Income ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 4.83% vs 15.59% for FTBI. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HISF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for FTBI.

Performance

HISF vs. FTBI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HISF achieves a 0.24% return, which is significantly lower than FTBI's 5.64% return.

HISF

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

FTBI

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 4.96%
• 1Y: 15.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HISF vs. FTBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.24%	6.00%
FTBI First Trust Balanced Income ETF	5.64%	11.60%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and FTBI is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2025	0.53

The correlation between HISF and FTBI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HISF vs. FTBI — 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: 36
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

FTBI

FTBI Risk / Return Rank: 72
FTBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FTBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FTBI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FTBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FTBI Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. FTBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI). 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	FTBI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	2.10	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	3.01	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	2.93	-1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.78	12.99	-7.22

HISF vs. FTBI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the FTBI Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and FTBI, 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. FTBI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISF drawdown since its inception was -3.86%, smaller than the maximum FTBI drawdown of -5.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISF and FTBI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	FTBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-5.34%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-5.34%	+2.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-1.01%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-0.63%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.20%	-0.36%

Volatility

HISF vs. FTBI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) is 0.97%, while First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) has a volatility of 2.76%. This indicates that HISF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTBI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	FTBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	2.76%	-1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	6.06%	-3.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	7.51%	-4.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.94%	7.36%	-3.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.94%	7.36%	-3.42%

HISF vs. FTBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HISF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than FTBI's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

HISF vs. FTBI - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, less than FTBI's 7.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FTBI First Trust Balanced Income ETF	7.94%	4.76%	0.00%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISF and FTBI in my portfolio?

HISF and FTBI have a correlation of 0.55, 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 FTBI?

FTBI has higher volatility (2.76%) compared to HISF (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISF dropped -3.86% vs FTBI's -5.34%.

Which ETF is better, HISF or FTBI?

On 1-year performance, FTBI leads with 15.59% vs 4.83% for HISF. On fees, HISF is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, HISF has been the lower-risk option at 0.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HISF or FTBI?

Over the 1-year period, FTBI has performed better with a 15.59% return vs 4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HISF or FTBI?

HISF is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for FTBI.

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

FTBI has the higher dividend yield at 7.94%, compared with 4.99% for HISF.

What is the main difference between HISF and FTBI?

Their fees differ too: 0.87% for HISF and 0.97% for FTBI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 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.