HUSV vs. HMEZX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HUSV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF) and HMEZX (NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund) are both funds - HUSV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund actively managed by First Trust, while HMEZX is a Event Driven fund managed by Highland Funds. Over the past 5 years, HUSV returned 5.67%/yr vs 4.93%/yr for HMEZX. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HUSV charges 0.70%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for HMEZX.

Performance

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund (HMEZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HUSV achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than HMEZX's 1.83% return.

HUSV

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: -0.23%
• 3Y*: 7.84%
• 5Y*: 5.67%
• 10Y*: —

HMEZX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 1.83%
• 1Y: 5.44%
• 3Y*: 6.82%
• 5Y*: 4.93%
• 10Y*: 5.99%

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

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.05%	4.96%	12.64%	3.51%	-6.31%	26.04%	5.39%	26.98%	-1.92%	16.07%
HMEZX NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund	1.83%	6.30%	7.42%	4.10%	2.70%	5.37%	8.46%	8.10%	5.92%	5.48%

Correlation

The correlation between HUSV and HMEZX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2016	0.23

Return for Risk

HUSV vs. HMEZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HUSV

HUSV Risk / Return Rank: 8
HUSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Martin Ratio Rank: 9

HMEZX

HMEZX Risk / Return Rank: 99
HMEZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
HMEZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
HMEZX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
HMEZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
HMEZX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund (HMEZX). 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.

	HUSV	HMEZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	4.21	-4.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	7.30	-7.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	2.06	-1.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	9.75	-9.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	52.74	-52.82

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HUSV Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the HMEZX Sharpe Ratio of 4.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HUSV and HMEZX, 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

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HUSV drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, which is greater than HMEZX's maximum drawdown of -6.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HUSV and HMEZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HUSV	HMEZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-6.86%	-28.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.78%	-0.55%	-6.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.35%	-1.06%	-8.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.00%	-1.94%	-15.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-6.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.76%	0.00%	-3.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-0.37%	-3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	0.10%	+2.82%

Volatility

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) has a higher volatility of 3.06% compared to NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund (HMEZX) at 0.42%. This indicates that HUSV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HMEZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HUSV	HMEZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	0.42%	+2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	0.91%	+5.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.27%	1.27%	+8.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.03%	1.67%	+10.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.47%	3.78%	+10.69%

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HUSV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than HMEZX's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

HUSV vs. HMEZX - Dividend Comparison

HUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, less than HMEZX's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
HMEZX NexPoint Merger Arbitrage Fund	5.07%	5.04%	6.36%	5.07%	5.11%	3.63%	5.83%	0.33%	19.16%	6.88%	0.02%
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.66%	1.38%	1.14%	1.80%	1.68%	1.35%	1.29%	1.36%	1.48%	1.31%	0.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HUSV and HMEZX in my portfolio?

HUSV and HMEZX have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HUSV or HMEZX?

HUSV has higher volatility (3.06%) compared to HMEZX (0.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HUSV dropped -35.72% vs HMEZX's -6.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HMEZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.21 vs -0.03), 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.