HYFI vs. FBND

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HYFI (AB High Yield ETF) and FBND (Fidelity Total Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HYFI is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while FBND is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Fidelity. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HYFI returned 9.19%/yr vs 4.73%/yr for FBND. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HYFI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for FBND.

Performance

HYFI vs. FBND - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) and Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HYFI achieves a 1.98% return, which is significantly higher than FBND's 0.72% return.

HYFI

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.15%
• 1Y: 7.18%
• 3Y*: 9.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FBND

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.80%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: 4.73%
• 5Y*: 0.79%
• 10Y*: 2.54%

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

HYFI vs. FBND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	1.98%	8.91%	7.98%	8.66%
FBND Fidelity Total Bond ETF	0.72%	7.57%	2.13%	3.25%

Correlation

The correlation between HYFI and FBND is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2023	0.62

The correlation between HYFI and FBND has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HYFI vs. FBND — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYFI

HYFI Risk / Return Rank: 65
HYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
HYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 61
HYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
HYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

FBND

FBND Risk / Return Rank: 35
FBND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FBND Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FBND Omega Ratio Rank: 33
FBND Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
FBND Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

HYFI vs. FBND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) and Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND). 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.

	HYFI	FBND	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.24	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	1.84	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.21	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	1.77	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.94	5.07	+7.87

HYFI vs. FBND - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HYFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is higher than the FBND Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HYFI and FBND, 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

HYFI vs. FBND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYFI drawdown since its inception was -6.34%, smaller than the maximum FBND drawdown of -17.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYFI and FBND.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYFI	FBND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.34%	-17.25%	+10.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.49%	-2.66%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.34%	-5.94%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.25%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-17.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-1.21%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.50%	-3.34%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.56%	0.93%	-0.37%

Volatility

HYFI vs. FBND - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) is 0.95%, while Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND) has a volatility of 1.13%. This indicates that HYFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBND based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HYFI	FBND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	1.13%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.16%	2.84%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.99%	3.83%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.33%	5.93%	-0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.33%	6.10%	-0.77%

HYFI vs. FBND - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYFI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than FBND's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYFI vs. FBND - Dividend Comparison

HYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.64%, more than FBND's 4.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBND Fidelity Total Bond ETF	4.69%	4.70%	4.73%	4.26%	3.07%	1.86%	4.25%	2.90%	2.93%	2.56%	2.84%	3.26%
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	6.64%	6.66%	6.57%	4.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYFI and FBND in my portfolio?

HYFI and FBND have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HYFI or FBND?

FBND has higher volatility (1.13%) compared to HYFI (0.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYFI dropped -6.34% vs FBND's -17.25%.

Which ETF is better, HYFI or FBND?

On 3-year performance, HYFI leads with 9.19% vs 4.73% for FBND. On fees, FBND is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, HYFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HYFI or FBND?

Over the 3-year period, HYFI has performed better with a 9.19% return vs 4.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYFI or FBND?

FBND is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for HYFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HYFI or FBND?

HYFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.64%, compared with 4.69% for FBND.

What is the main difference between HYFI and FBND?

HYFI is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while FBND is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for HYFI and 0.36% for FBND.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.24), 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.