PHYD vs. VGHY

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

PHYD (Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -) and VGHY (Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PHYD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for VGHY.

Performance

PHYD vs. VGHY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

PHYD

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGHY

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 1.76%
• YTD: 1.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PHYD vs. VGHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	2.32%	2.00%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	1.99%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between PHYD and VGHY is 0.68, 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 17, 2025	0.68

Return for Risk

PHYD vs. VGHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	PHYD	VGHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-2.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.12%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.41%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PHYD	VGHY	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.10%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	4.10%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	4.10%	—

PHYD vs. VGHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHYD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VGHY's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHYD vs. VGHY - Dividend Comparison

PHYD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VGHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.48%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	8.52%	6.63%	6.80%	6.15%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	4.48%	1.49%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHYD and VGHY in my portfolio?

PHYD and VGHY have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PHYD or VGHY?

On fees, VGHY is cheaper at 0.22% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PHYD or VGHY?

VGHY is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PHYD.

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

PHYD has the higher dividend yield at 8.52%, compared with 4.48% for VGHY.

What is the main difference between PHYD and VGHY?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for PHYD and 0.22% for VGHY.