HYXF vs. PHYD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HYXF (iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) and PHYD (Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -) are both High Yield Bonds funds. HYXF is passively managed, while PHYD is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HYXF returned 8.56%/yr vs 8.70%/yr for PHYD. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HYXF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PHYD.

Performance

HYXF vs. PHYD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYXF) and Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HYXF achieves a 0.91% return, which is significantly lower than PHYD's 2.16% return.

HYXF

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 0.91%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 5.86%
• 3Y*: 8.56%
• 5Y*: 3.66%
• 10Y*: —

PHYD

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 2.16%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: 7.86%
• 3Y*: 8.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HYXF vs. PHYD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HYXF iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	0.91%	8.88%	8.35%	8.35%
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	2.16%	8.84%	7.35%	8.07%

Correlation

The correlation between HYXF and PHYD 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2023	0.79

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

HYXF vs. PHYD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HYXF	PHYD
Communication Services	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.5%
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.7%
Industrials	-	0.7%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Technology	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	0.7%

Return for Risk

HYXF vs. PHYD — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYXF

HYXF Risk / Return Rank: 49
HYXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
HYXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
HYXF Omega Ratio Rank: 46
HYXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
HYXF Martin Ratio Rank: 59

PHYD

PHYD Risk / Return Rank: 78
PHYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
PHYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
PHYD Omega Ratio Rank: 80
PHYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
PHYD Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

HYXF vs. PHYD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYXF) and Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD). 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.

	HYXF	PHYD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.36	-0.80
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	3.75	-1.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.48	-0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	3.77	-1.48
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.32	15.54	-5.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HYXF vs. PHYD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HYXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the PHYD Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HYXF and PHYD, 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

	HYXF	PHYD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.56	2.36	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	1.72	-1.11

Drawdowns

HYXF vs. PHYD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYXF drawdown since its inception was -18.75%, which is greater than PHYD's maximum drawdown of -4.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYXF and PHYD.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYXF	PHYD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.75%	-4.33%	-14.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.57%	-2.10%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.81%	-4.14%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.94%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-0.62%	-1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.57%	0.51%	+0.06%

Volatility

HYXF vs. PHYD - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYXF) has a higher volatility of 1.15% compared to Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) at 1.03%. This indicates that HYXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PHYD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HYXF	PHYD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.15%	1.03%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.93%	2.54%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78%	3.34%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.04%	4.59%	+3.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.32%	4.59%	+3.73%

HYXF vs. PHYD - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYXF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PHYD's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYXF vs. PHYD - Dividend Comparison

HYXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.09%, less than PHYD's 9.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
HYXF iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	6.09%	6.19%	6.40%	5.93%	5.37%	4.56%	4.96%	5.29%	6.14%	5.85%	3.16%
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	9.05%	6.63%	6.80%	6.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYXF and PHYD in my portfolio?

HYXF and PHYD 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, HYXF or PHYD?

HYXF has higher volatility (1.15%) compared to PHYD (1.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYXF dropped -18.75% vs PHYD's -4.33%.

Which ETF is better, HYXF or PHYD?

On 3-year performance, PHYD leads with 8.70% vs 8.56% for HYXF. On fees, HYXF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, PHYD has been the lower-risk option at 1.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HYXF or PHYD?

Over the 3-year period, PHYD has performed better with a 8.70% return vs 8.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYXF or PHYD?

HYXF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PHYD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HYXF or PHYD?

PHYD has the higher dividend yield at 9.05%, compared with 6.09% for HYXF.

What is the main difference between HYXF and PHYD?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HYXF and 0.55% for PHYD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PHYD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.56), 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.