HYLS vs. FTSL
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL).
HYLS and FTSL are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. HYLS is an actively managed fund by First Trust. It was launched on Feb 27, 2013. FTSL is an actively managed fund by First Trust. It was launched on May 1, 2013.
Performance
HYLS vs. FTSL - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
HYLS vs. FTSL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF | -1.46% | 8.00% | 5.85% | 13.66% | -12.83% | 3.69% | 5.32% | 14.66% | -2.46% | 6.39% |
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund | -0.80% | 5.98% | 8.27% | 11.58% | -2.50% | 3.94% | 2.99% | 10.11% | -1.30% | 2.59% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, HYLS achieves a -1.46% return, which is significantly lower than FTSL's -0.80% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with HYLS having a 4.38% annualized return and FTSL not far ahead at 4.48%.
HYLS
- 1D
- 1.20%
- 1M
- -0.72%
- YTD
- -1.46%
- 6M
- -0.32%
- 1Y
- 5.53%
- 3Y*
- 7.27%
- 5Y*
- 2.66%
- 10Y*
- 4.38%
FTSL
- 1D
- 0.34%
- 1M
- 1.11%
- YTD
- -0.80%
- 6M
- 0.87%
- 1Y
- 4.68%
- 3Y*
- 7.10%
- 5Y*
- 4.87%
- 10Y*
- 4.48%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
HYLS vs. FTSL - Expense Ratio Comparison
HYLS has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than FTSL's 0.86% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
HYLS vs. FTSL — Risk / Return Rank
HYLS
FTSL
HYLS vs. FTSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL). 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.
| HYLS | FTSL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.17 | 1.51 | -0.34 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.74 | 1.99 | -0.25 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.41 | -0.16 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.68 | 1.96 | -0.28 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.97 | 7.07 | -0.10 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| HYLS | FTSL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.17 | 1.51 | -0.34 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.41 | 1.46 | -1.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.66 | 0.87 | -0.21 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.67 | 0.83 | -0.17 |
Correlation
The correlation between HYLS and FTSL is 0.43, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
HYLS vs. FTSL - Dividend Comparison
HYLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.69%, more than FTSL's 6.58% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF | 6.69% | 6.38% | 6.25% | 5.98% | 7.38% | 5.48% | 5.09% | 5.17% | 5.81% | 5.53% | 5.37% | 6.11% |
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund | 6.58% | 6.59% | 7.56% | 7.59% | 4.77% | 3.17% | 3.48% | 4.44% | 4.29% | 3.64% | 3.70% | 3.95% |
Drawdowns
HYLS vs. FTSL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum HYLS drawdown since its inception was -22.99%, roughly equal to the maximum FTSL drawdown of -22.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYLS and FTSL.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| HYLS | FTSL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.99% | -22.67% | -0.32% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.33% | -2.33% | -1.00% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.75% | -6.96% | -8.79% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -22.99% | -22.67% | -0.32% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.93% | -1.24% | -0.69% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.17% | -0.77% | -1.40% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.80% | 0.65% | +0.15% |
Volatility
HYLS vs. FTSL - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) has a higher volatility of 2.11% compared to First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) at 1.37%. This indicates that HYLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTSL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| HYLS | FTSL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.11% | 1.37% | +0.74% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.67% | 1.90% | +0.77% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.75% | 3.11% | +1.64% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.59% | 3.36% | +3.23% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.70% | 5.19% | +1.51% |