NFLT vs. VSHY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NFLT (Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF) and VSHY (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NFLT is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while VSHY is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NFLT returned 7.05% vs 6.66% for VSHY. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NFLT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for VSHY.

Performance

NFLT vs. VSHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NFLT achieves a 1.82% return, which is significantly lower than VSHY's 2.61% return.

NFLT

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 1.82%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 7.05%
• 3Y*: 7.44%
• 5Y*: 3.14%
• 10Y*: 4.06%

VSHY

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 2.61%
• 6M: 2.68%
• 1Y: 6.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NFLT vs. VSHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	1.82%	8.77%	6.05%	3.56%
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	2.61%	6.87%	8.03%	3.76%

Correlation

The correlation between NFLT and VSHY is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 28, 2023	0.40

Return for Risk

NFLT vs. VSHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFLT

NFLT Risk / Return Rank: 60
NFLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
NFLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
NFLT Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NFLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NFLT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VSHY

VSHY Risk / Return Rank: 72
VSHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VSHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VSHY Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VSHY 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.

NFLT vs. VSHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY). 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.

	NFLT	VSHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.93	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.92	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.37	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.86	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.71	14.38	-1.67

NFLT vs. VSHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NFLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VSHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NFLT and VSHY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NFLT vs. VSHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFLT drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, which is greater than VSHY's maximum drawdown of -4.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFLT and VSHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFLT	VSHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-4.55%	-10.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.42%	-1.73%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.42%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.08%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-0.41%	-1.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.56%	0.46%	+0.10%

Volatility

NFLT vs. VSHY - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) has a higher volatility of 1.56% compared to Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) at 1.09%. This indicates that NFLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NFLT	VSHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.56%	1.09%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.14%	2.76%	+0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	3.46%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.47%	4.39%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.94%	4.39%	+0.55%

NFLT vs. VSHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFLT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VSHY's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFLT vs. VSHY - Dividend Comparison

NFLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.49%, less than VSHY's 6.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	5.49%	5.74%	5.76%	6.02%	4.16%	3.41%	3.63%	4.33%	4.81%	6.23%	5.30%	0.67%
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	6.34%	6.14%	6.81%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NFLT and VSHY in my portfolio?

NFLT and VSHY have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NFLT or VSHY?

NFLT has higher volatility (1.56%) compared to VSHY (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFLT dropped -15.17% vs VSHY's -4.55%.

Which ETF is better, NFLT or VSHY?

On 1-year performance, NFLT leads with 7.05% vs 6.66% for VSHY. On fees, VSHY is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, VSHY has been the lower-risk option at 1.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NFLT or VSHY?

Over the 1-year period, NFLT has performed better with a 7.05% return vs 6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NFLT or VSHY?

VSHY is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for NFLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NFLT or VSHY?

VSHY has the higher dividend yield at 6.34%, compared with 5.49% for NFLT.

What is the main difference between NFLT and VSHY?

NFLT is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while VSHY is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NFLT and 0.40% for VSHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.69), 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.