HISF vs. RULE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and RULE (Adaptive Core ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 5.97% vs 51.95% for RULE. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HISF charges 0.87%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for RULE.

Performance

HISF vs. RULE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and Adaptive Core ETF (RULE). 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 RULE's 44.43% return.

HISF

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 5.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RULE

• 1D: 2.91%
• 1M: 20.61%
• YTD: 44.43%
• 6M: 45.11%
• 1Y: 51.95%
• 3Y*: 20.12%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HISF vs. RULE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.24%	8.39%	3.30%
RULE Adaptive Core ETF	44.43%	4.60%	2.60%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and RULE is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2024	0.29

Return for Risk

HISF vs. RULE — Risk / Return Rank

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

HISF

HISF Risk / Return Rank: 49
HISF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
HISF Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
HISF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
HISF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

RULE

RULE Risk / Return Rank: 78
RULE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RULE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RULE Omega Ratio Rank: 75
RULE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
RULE Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. RULE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and Adaptive Core ETF (RULE). 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.

	HISF	RULE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.58	-0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.46	-0.79
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.45	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	4.13	-2.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.30	16.91	-9.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HISF vs. RULE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the RULE Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and RULE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HISF	RULE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81	2.58	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	0.46	+0.88

Drawdowns

HISF vs. RULE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISF drawdown since its inception was -3.86%, smaller than the maximum RULE drawdown of -30.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISF and RULE.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	RULE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-30.48%	+26.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-12.65%	+9.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	0.00%	-0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-14.99%	+14.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	3.09%	-2.30%

Volatility

HISF vs. RULE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) is 1.23%, while Adaptive Core ETF (RULE) has a volatility of 9.65%. This indicates that HISF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RULE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	RULE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	9.65%	-8.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	17.55%	-14.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.32%	20.25%	-16.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.95%	14.83%	-10.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.95%	14.83%	-10.88%

HISF vs. RULE - Expense Ratio Comparison

HISF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than RULE's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

HISF vs. RULE - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, while RULE has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%
RULE Adaptive Core ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISF and RULE in my portfolio?

HISF and RULE have a correlation of 0.34, 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 RULE?

RULE has higher volatility (9.65%) compared to HISF (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISF dropped -3.86% vs RULE's -30.48%.

Which ETF is better, HISF or RULE?

On 1-year performance, RULE leads with 51.95% vs 5.97% for HISF. On fees, HISF is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, HISF has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HISF or RULE?

Over the 1-year period, RULE has performed better with a 51.95% return vs 5.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HISF or RULE?

HISF is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for RULE.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 0.00% for RULE.

What is the main difference between HISF and RULE?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Mohr Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for HISF and 1.10% for RULE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RULE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.81), 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.