HISF vs. PBL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and PBL (PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 4.83% vs 16.68% for PBL. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HISF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for PBL.

Performance

HISF vs. PBL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL). 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 PBL's 6.03% return.

HISF

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

PBL

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 6.03%
• 6M: 5.25%
• 1Y: 16.68%
• 3Y*: 14.00%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HISF vs. PBL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.24%	8.39%	3.41%
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	6.03%	12.35%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and PBL is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	0.36

The correlation between HISF and PBL shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (all time) to 0.48 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HISF vs. PBL — 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

PBL

PBL Risk / Return Rank: 60
PBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
PBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
PBL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
PBL Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. PBL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL). 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	PBL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.79	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.53	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	2.88	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.78	11.25	-5.47

HISF vs. PBL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the PBL Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and PBL, 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. PBL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISF drawdown since its inception was -3.86%, smaller than the maximum PBL drawdown of -11.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISF and PBL.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	PBL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-11.69%	+7.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-5.82%	+2.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-1.93%	+0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-1.66%	+0.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.49%	-0.65%

Volatility

HISF vs. PBL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) is 0.97%, while PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) has a volatility of 3.58%. This indicates that HISF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	PBL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	3.58%	-2.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	7.12%	-4.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	9.38%	-6.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.94%	9.92%	-5.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.94%	9.92%	-5.98%

HISF vs. PBL - Expense Ratio Comparison

HISF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than PBL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

HISF vs. PBL - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, more than PBL's 2.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	2.09%	2.21%	6.89%	7.92%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISF and PBL in my portfolio?

HISF and PBL have a correlation of 0.48, 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 PBL?

PBL has higher volatility (3.58%) compared to HISF (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISF dropped -3.86% vs PBL's -11.69%.

Which ETF is better, HISF or PBL?

On 1-year performance, PBL leads with 16.68% vs 4.83% for HISF. On fees, PBL is cheaper at 0.45% 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 PBL?

Over the 1-year period, PBL has performed better with a 16.68% 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 PBL?

PBL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for HISF.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 2.09% for PBL.

What is the main difference between HISF and PBL?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for HISF and 0.45% for PBL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 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.