HISF vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HISF is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by First Trust, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. HISF is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past year, HISF returned 4.96% vs 27.18% for VTI. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HISF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

HISF vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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 VTI's 10.35% return.

HISF

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

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

HISF vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.20%	8.39%	3.41%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	16.58%

Correlation

The correlation between HISF and VTI is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	0.34

The correlation between HISF and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (all time) to 0.50 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HISF vs. VTI — 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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	2.14	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.90	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.38	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	3.06	-1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.96	13.68	-7.72

HISF vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISF Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISF and VTI, 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. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISF drawdown since its inception was -3.86%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISF and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISF	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.86%	-55.45%	+51.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-8.92%	+6.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.48%	+0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-8.01%	+7.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	1.99%	-1.16%

Volatility

HISF vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) is 0.97%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that HISF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISF	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	4.74%	-3.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.70%	9.96%	-7.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	12.76%	-9.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.95%	17.49%	-13.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.95%	18.35%	-14.40%

HISF vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HISF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HISF vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISF and VTI in my portfolio?

HISF and VTI have a correlation of 0.50, 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 VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to HISF (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISF dropped -3.86% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, HISF or VTI?

On 1-year performance, VTI leads with 27.18% vs 4.96% for HISF. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VTI?

Over the 1-year period, VTI has performed better with a 27.18% return vs 4.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HISF or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for HISF.

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

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between HISF and VTI?

HISF is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for HISF and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 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.