HYLS vs. NHYB

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

HYLS (First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF) and NHYB (Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. HYLS is actively managed, while NHYB is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HYLS charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for NHYB.

Performance

HYLS vs. NHYB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NHYB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HYLS achieves a 0.40% return, which is significantly lower than NHYB's 2.08% return.

HYLS

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 0.40%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 4.96%
• 3Y*: 7.62%
• 5Y*: 2.94%
• 10Y*: 4.41%

NHYB

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 2.08%
• 6M: 2.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HYLS vs. NHYB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF	0.40%	1.08%
NHYB Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	2.08%	1.24%

Correlation

The correlation between HYLS and NHYB is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

HYLS vs. NHYB — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYLS

HYLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
HYLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
HYLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
HYLS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
HYLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
HYLS Martin Ratio Rank: 44

NHYB

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.

HYLS vs. NHYB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NHYB). 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.

	HYLS	NHYB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.91	—	—

Drawdowns

HYLS vs. NHYB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYLS drawdown since its inception was -22.99%, which is greater than NHYB's maximum drawdown of -2.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYLS and NHYB.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYLS	NHYB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.99%	-2.40%	-20.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.03%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-0.36%	-1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HYLS	NHYB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.55%	3.66%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.62%	3.66%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.70%	3.66%	+3.04%

HYLS vs. NHYB - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYLS has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than NHYB's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYLS vs. NHYB - Dividend Comparison

HYLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.70%, more than NHYB's 4.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF	6.70%	6.38%	6.25%	5.98%	7.38%	5.48%	5.09%	5.17%	5.81%	5.53%	5.37%	6.11%
NHYB Nuveen High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	4.24%	1.28%	0.00%	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 HYLS and NHYB in my portfolio?

HYLS and NHYB have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HYLS or NHYB?

On fees, NHYB is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYLS or NHYB?

NHYB is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for HYLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HYLS or NHYB?

HYLS has the higher dividend yield at 6.70%, compared with 4.24% for NHYB.

What is the main difference between HYLS and NHYB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for HYLS and 0.08% for NHYB.