HISF vs. LDSF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HISF is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by First Trust, while LDSF is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 4.96% vs 4.54% for LDSF. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.87% expense ratio.

Performance

HISF vs. LDSF - 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 Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF). 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 LDSF's 0.82% return.

HISF

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

LDSF

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 2.42%
• 10Y*: —

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

HISF vs. LDSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.20%	8.39%	3.41%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	4.39%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and LDSF is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	0.82

The correlation between HISF and LDSF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HISF vs. LDSF — 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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 70
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 80
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. LDSF - 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 Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF). 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	LDSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	2.22	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	3.35	-1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.46	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	2.62	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.96	11.03	-5.08

HISF vs. LDSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the LDSF Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and LDSF, 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. LDSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISF drawdown since its inception was -3.86%, smaller than the maximum LDSF drawdown of -8.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISF and LDSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	LDSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-8.56%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-1.74%	-1.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-7.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.26%	-0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-1.45%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.41%	+0.42%

Volatility

HISF vs. LDSF - Volatility Comparison

First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) has a higher volatility of 0.97% compared to First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) at 0.67%. This indicates that HISF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LDSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	LDSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	0.67%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.70%	1.72%	+0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	2.05%	+1.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.95%	3.09%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.95%	3.17%	+0.78%

HISF vs. LDSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HISF and LDSF have an expense ratio of 0.87%.

Dividends

HISF vs. LDSF - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, more than LDSF's 4.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISF and LDSF in my portfolio?

HISF and LDSF have a correlation of 0.87, 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 LDSF?

HISF has higher volatility (0.97%) compared to LDSF (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISF dropped -3.86% vs LDSF's -8.56%.

Which ETF is better, HISF or LDSF?

On 1-year performance, HISF leads with 4.96% vs 4.54% for LDSF. Both ETFs have the same 0.87% expense ratio. On volatility, LDSF has been the lower-risk option at 0.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HISF or LDSF?

Over the 1-year period, HISF has performed better with a 4.96% return vs 4.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HISF or LDSF?

HISF and LDSF have the same expense ratio: 0.87% per year.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 4.63% for LDSF.

What is the main difference between HISF and LDSF?

HISF is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while LDSF is Short-Term Bond.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LDSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 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.