HYFI vs. SYFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HYFI (AB High Yield ETF) and SYFI (AB Short Duration High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds from AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HYFI returned 7.65% vs 6.81% for SYFI. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.40% expense ratio.

Performance

HYFI vs. SYFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) and AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI). 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 SYFI's 1.72% return.

HYFI

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: 7.65%
• 3Y*: 9.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SYFI

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 6.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HYFI vs. SYFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	1.98%	8.91%	5.55%
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	1.72%	7.19%	4.97%

Correlation

The correlation between HYFI and SYFI is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2024	0.78

The correlation between HYFI and SYFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HYFI vs. SYFI — 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: 59
HYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
HYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
HYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SYFI

SYFI Risk / Return Rank: 73
SYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SYFI 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.

HYFI vs. SYFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) and AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI). 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.

	HYFI	SYFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.14	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	3.25	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.42	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	3.52	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.91	16.16	-2.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HYFI vs. SYFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HYFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the SYFI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HYFI and SYFI, 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

	HYFI	SYFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	2.14	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	1.68	+0.03

Drawdowns

HYFI vs. SYFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYFI drawdown since its inception was -6.34%, which is greater than SYFI's maximum drawdown of -4.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYFI and SYFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYFI	SYFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.34%	-4.49%	-1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.49%	-1.94%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.12%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.35%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.55%	0.42%	+0.13%

Volatility

HYFI vs. SYFI - Volatility Comparison

AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) has a higher volatility of 1.08% compared to AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) at 0.84%. This indicates that HYFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SYFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HYFI	SYFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	0.84%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.10%	2.42%	+0.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.94%	3.19%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.36%	4.23%	+1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.36%	4.23%	+1.13%

HYFI vs. SYFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HYFI and SYFI have an expense ratio of 0.40%.

Dividends

HYFI vs. SYFI - Dividend Comparison

HYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.64%, more than SYFI's 6.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	6.64%	6.66%	6.57%	4.17%
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	6.12%	6.20%	3.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYFI and SYFI in my portfolio?

HYFI and SYFI have a correlation of 0.79, 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 SYFI?

HYFI has higher volatility (1.08%) compared to SYFI (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYFI dropped -6.34% vs SYFI's -4.49%.

Which ETF is better, HYFI or SYFI?

On 1-year performance, HYFI leads with 7.65% vs 6.81% for SYFI. Both ETFs have the same 0.40% expense ratio. On volatility, SYFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HYFI or SYFI?

Over the 1-year period, HYFI has performed better with a 7.65% return vs 6.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYFI or SYFI?

HYFI and SYFI have the same expense ratio: 0.40% per year.

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

HYFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.64%, compared with 6.12% for SYFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.95), 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.