IHY vs. YLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IHY (VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF) and YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. IHY is passively managed, while YLD is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, IHY returned 4.11%/yr vs 5.80%/yr for YLD. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IHY charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for YLD.

Performance

IHY vs. YLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF (IHY) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IHY achieves a 1.16% return, which is significantly lower than YLD's 2.83% return. Over the past 10 years, IHY has underperformed YLD with an annualized return of 4.11%, while YLD has yielded a comparatively higher 5.80% annualized return.

IHY

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 2.12%
• 1Y: 6.66%
• 3Y*: 9.13%
• 5Y*: 1.73%
• 10Y*: 4.11%

YLD

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 2.83%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 7.36%
• 3Y*: 8.85%
• 5Y*: 4.74%
• 10Y*: 5.80%

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

IHY vs. YLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IHY VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF	1.16%	13.39%	3.55%	12.11%	-14.34%	-2.82%	8.65%	12.77%	-4.52%	12.54%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	2.83%	6.55%	9.19%	12.93%	-8.78%	9.17%	1.50%	13.58%	-3.30%	9.12%

Correlation

The correlation between IHY and YLD is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2015	0.40

The correlation between IHY and YLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (all time) to 0.55 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IHY vs. YLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IHY	YLD
Financial Services	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IHY vs. YLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IHY

IHY Risk / Return Rank: 33
IHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IHY Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
IHY Martin Ratio Rank: 33

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 59
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

IHY vs. YLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF (IHY) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD). 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.

	IHY	YLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	1.71	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	2.57	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	3.74	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	12.96	-7.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IHY vs. YLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is comparable to the YLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IHY and YLD, 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

	IHY	YLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24	1.71	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	0.75	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.71	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.65	-0.10

Drawdowns

IHY vs. YLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IHY drawdown since its inception was -27.63%, roughly equal to the maximum YLD drawdown of -28.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IHY and YLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IHY	YLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.63%	-28.34%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.75%	-1.98%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.75%	-5.62%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.63%	-13.89%	-13.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.63%	-28.34%	+0.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.37%	-0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.28%	-2.70%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.32%	0.57%	+0.75%

Volatility

IHY vs. YLD - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF (IHY) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) have volatilities of 1.33% and 1.32%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IHY	YLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	1.32%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.92%	3.51%	+0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.39%	4.34%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.74%	6.40%	+1.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.72%	8.21%	-0.49%

IHY vs. YLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IHY has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than YLD's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

IHY vs. YLD - Dividend Comparison

IHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.68%, less than YLD's 7.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IHY VanEck Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF	5.68%	5.31%	5.60%	5.26%	4.97%	4.55%	4.65%	4.86%	4.70%	4.36%	5.11%	5.79%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.27%	7.33%	7.12%	6.46%	6.51%	3.92%	4.40%	4.81%	5.42%	6.28%	4.47%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IHY and YLD in my portfolio?

IHY and YLD have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IHY or YLD?

IHY has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to YLD (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IHY dropped -27.63% vs YLD's -28.34%.

Which ETF is better, IHY or YLD?

On 10-year performance, YLD leads with 5.80% vs 4.11% for IHY. On fees, YLD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IHY or YLD?

Over the 10-year period, YLD has performed better with a 5.80% return vs 4.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IHY or YLD?

YLD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IHY or YLD?

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.27%, compared with 5.68% for IHY.

What is the main difference between IHY and YLD?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IHY and 0.39% for YLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.24), 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.