RULE vs. HISF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

RULE (Adaptive Core ETF) and HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RULE returned 51.95% vs 5.97% for HISF. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RULE charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for HISF.

Performance

RULE vs. HISF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Adaptive Core ETF (RULE) and First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RULE achieves a 44.43% return, which is significantly higher than HISF's 0.24% return.

RULE

• 1D: 2.91%
• 1M: 20.61%
• YTD: 44.43%
• 6M: 45.11%
• 1Y: 51.95%
• 3Y*: 20.12%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HISF

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 5.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RULE vs. HISF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RULE Adaptive Core ETF	44.43%	4.60%	2.60%
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	0.24%	8.39%	3.30%

Correlation

The correlation between RULE and HISF 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2024	0.29

Return for Risk

RULE vs. HISF — Risk / Return Rank

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

RULE

RULE Risk / Return Rank: 78
RULE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RULE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RULE Omega Ratio Rank: 75
RULE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
RULE Martin Ratio Rank: 82

HISF

HISF Risk / Return Rank: 49
HISF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
HISF Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
HISF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
HISF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
HISF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

RULE vs. HISF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Adaptive Core ETF (RULE) and First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF). 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.

	RULE	HISF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	1.81	+0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	2.66	+0.79
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.34	+0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.13	2.00	+2.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.91	7.30	+9.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RULE vs. HISF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RULE Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is higher than the HISF Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RULE and HISF, 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

	RULE	HISF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.58	1.81	+0.77
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	1.34	-0.88

Drawdowns

RULE vs. HISF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RULE drawdown since its inception was -30.48%, which is greater than HISF's maximum drawdown of -3.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RULE and HISF.

Drawdown Indicators

	RULE	HISF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.48%	-3.86%	-26.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.65%	-2.90%	-9.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.99%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.99%	-0.89%	-14.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	0.79%	+2.30%

Volatility

RULE vs. HISF - Volatility Comparison

Adaptive Core ETF (RULE) has a higher volatility of 9.65% compared to First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) at 1.23%. This indicates that RULE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HISF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RULE	HISF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.65%	1.23%	+8.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.55%	2.62%	+14.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.25%	3.32%	+16.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.83%	3.95%	+10.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.83%	3.95%	+10.88%

RULE vs. HISF - Expense Ratio Comparison

RULE has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than HISF's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

RULE vs. HISF - Dividend Comparison

RULE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HISF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HISF First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF	4.99%	4.69%	3.92%	0.00%	0.00%
RULE Adaptive Core ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RULE and HISF in my portfolio?

RULE and HISF 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.

Which is riskier, RULE or HISF?

RULE has higher volatility (9.65%) compared to HISF (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RULE dropped -30.48% vs HISF's -3.86%.

Which ETF is better, RULE or HISF?

On 1-year performance, RULE leads with 51.95% vs 5.97% for HISF. On fees, HISF is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, HISF has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RULE or HISF?

Over the 1-year period, RULE has performed better with a 51.95% return vs 5.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RULE or HISF?

HISF is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for RULE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RULE or HISF?

HISF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 0.00% for RULE.

What is the main difference between RULE and HISF?

They also come from different issuers: Mohr Funds and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for RULE and 0.87% for HISF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RULE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.81), 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.