HYLB vs. VGHY

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HYLB (Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) and VGHY (Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. HYLB is passively managed, while VGHY is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HYLB charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for VGHY.

Performance

HYLB vs. VGHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYLB) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with HYLB having a 1.73% return and VGHY slightly lower at 1.65%.

HYLB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.73%
• 6M: 1.70%
• 1Y: 5.91%
• 3Y*: 8.93%
• 5Y*: 3.92%
• 10Y*: —

VGHY

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HYLB vs. VGHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HYLB Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	1.73%	1.46%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	1.65%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between HYLB and VGHY is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

HYLB vs. VGHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYLB

HYLB Risk / Return Rank: 60
HYLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
HYLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
HYLB Omega Ratio Rank: 58
HYLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
HYLB Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VGHY

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

HYLB vs. VGHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYLB) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY). 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.

	HYLB	VGHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.16	—	—

Drawdowns

HYLB vs. VGHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYLB drawdown since its inception was -22.91%, which is greater than VGHY's maximum drawdown of -2.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYLB and VGHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYLB	VGHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.91%	-2.66%	-20.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.15%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-0.43%	-1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.53%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HYLB	VGHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.00%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.75%	4.23%	-0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.48%	4.23%	+3.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.16%	4.23%	+3.93%

HYLB vs. VGHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYLB has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than VGHY's 0.22% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

HYLB vs. VGHY - Dividend Comparison

HYLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.47%, more than VGHY's 3.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
HYLB Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	6.47%	6.29%	6.31%	5.84%	5.53%	4.45%	5.22%	5.71%	5.95%	5.85%	0.27%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	3.97%	1.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYLB and VGHY in my portfolio?

HYLB and VGHY have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HYLB or VGHY?

On fees, HYLB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYLB or VGHY?

HYLB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for VGHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HYLB or VGHY?

HYLB has the higher dividend yield at 6.47%, compared with 3.97% for VGHY.

What is the main difference between HYLB and VGHY?

They also come from different issuers: DWS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for HYLB and 0.22% for VGHY.