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HYLS vs. SCHD
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

HYLS vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HYLS (First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HYLS is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. HYLS is actively managed, while SCHD is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HYLS returned 4.35%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for SCHD. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HYLS charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

HYLS vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HYLS achieves a 0.28% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 19.01% return. Over the past 10 years, HYLS has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 4.35%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.77% annualized return.

HYLS

1D
-0.17%
1M
0.39%
YTD
0.28%
6M
0.70%
1Y
5.37%
3Y*
7.73%
5Y*
2.94%
10Y*
4.35%

SCHD

1D
0.00%
1M
2.70%
YTD
19.01%
6M
18.63%
1Y
27.16%
3Y*
15.09%
5Y*
8.36%
10Y*
12.77%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HYLS vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
HYLS
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF		0.28%8.00%5.85%13.66%-12.83%3.69%5.32%14.66%-2.46%6.39%
SCHD
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF		19.01%4.34%11.66%4.54%-3.26%29.87%15.03%27.29%-5.56%20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between HYLS and SCHD is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.34

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.46

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.53

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.52

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2013

0.49

The correlation between HYLS and SCHD shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (1 year) to 0.53 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF

Often compared with HYLS:
HYLS vs. HYUPHYLS vs. EIFAXHYLS vs. FFTWXHYLS vs. HYGHHYLS vs. HYGHYLS vs. VOOHYLS vs. AGG
Often compared with SCHD:
SCHD vs. VOOSCHD vs. VYMSCHD vs. SPYSCHD vs. SCHGSCHD vs. JEPISCHD vs. FDVVSCHD vs. VIG

Return for Risk

HYLS vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
HYLS
HYLS Risk / Return Rank: 4444
Overall Rank
HYLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4444
Sharpe Ratio Rank
HYLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 4848
Sortino Ratio Rank
HYLS Omega Ratio Rank: 4646
Omega Ratio Rank
HYLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 3535
Calmar Ratio Rank
HYLS Martin Ratio Rank: 4545
Martin Ratio Rank
SCHD
SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 8080
Overall Rank
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7575
Sharpe Ratio Rank
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 8484
Sortino Ratio Rank
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 7373
Omega Ratio Rank
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 9191
Calmar Ratio Rank
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 7575
Martin Ratio Rank
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. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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.

HYLSSCHDDifference

Sharpe ratio

Return per unit of total volatility

1.54

2.49

-0.96

Sortino ratio

Return per unit of downside risk

2.38

3.87

-1.48

Omega ratio

Gain probability vs. loss probability

1.29

1.45

-0.16

Calmar ratio

Return relative to maximum drawdown

1.74

5.91

-4.17

Martin ratio

Return relative to average drawdown

7.42

14.53

-7.11

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HYLS vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HYLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HYLS and SCHD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Sharpe Ratios by Period

HYLSSCHDDifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

1.54

2.49

-0.96

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.45

0.58

-0.14

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.65

0.77

-0.11

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.68

0.86

-0.18

Drawdowns

HYLS vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYLS drawdown since its inception was -22.99%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYLS and SCHD.

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Drawdown Indicators

HYLSSCHDDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-22.99%

-33.37%

+10.38%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-3.09%

-4.61%

+1.52%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-3.96%

-16.13%

+12.17%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-15.75%

-16.85%

+1.10%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-22.99%

-33.37%

+10.38%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-0.20%

-1.40%

+1.20%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-2.15%

-3.32%

+1.17%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

0.73%

1.88%

-1.15%

Volatility

HYLS vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) is 1.16%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 2.66%. This indicates that HYLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

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Volatility by Period

HYLSSCHDDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

1.16%

2.66%

-1.50%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

2.90%

7.66%

-4.76%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

3.51%

10.96%

-7.45%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

6.62%

14.38%

-7.76%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

6.70%

16.72%

-10.02%

HYLS vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYLS has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYLS vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

HYLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.70%, more than SCHD's 3.26% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
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%
SCHD
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF		3.26%3.82%3.64%3.49%3.39%2.78%3.16%2.98%3.06%2.63%2.89%2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

HYLS and SCHD have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

SCHD has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to HYLS (1.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYLS dropped -22.99% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.77% vs 4.35% for HYLS. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, HYLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.77% return vs 4.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for HYLS.

HYLS has the higher dividend yield at 6.70%, compared with 3.26% for SCHD.

HYLS is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while SCHD is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for HYLS and 0.06% for SCHD.

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.54), 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.

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