SIHY vs. SPHY

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SIHY (Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF) and SPHY (SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds - SIHY tracks the ICE BofA US High Yield while SPHY tracks the ICE BofA US High Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SIHY returned 9.70%/yr vs 9.12%/yr for SPHY. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIHY charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPHY.

Performance

SIHY vs. SPHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF (SIHY) and SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF (SPHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIHY achieves a 2.37% return, which is significantly higher than SPHY's 1.89% return.

SIHY

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 2.37%
• 6M: 2.46%
• 1Y: 7.25%
• 3Y*: 9.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPHY

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 6.35%
• 3Y*: 9.12%
• 5Y*: 4.29%
• 10Y*: 5.23%

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

SIHY vs. SPHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SIHY Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF	2.37%	8.13%	8.67%	13.31%	-7.73%	0.18%
SPHY SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF	1.89%	8.59%	8.54%	12.81%	-10.57%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between SIHY and SPHY is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2021	0.88

The correlation between SIHY and SPHY shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SIHY vs. SPHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIHY

SIHY Risk / Return Rank: 60
SIHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SIHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SIHY Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SIHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SIHY Martin Ratio Rank: 61

SPHY

SPHY Risk / Return Rank: 65
SPHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SPHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPHY Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SPHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SPHY Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

SIHY vs. SPHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF (SIHY) and SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF (SPHY). 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.

	SIHY	SPHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.72	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.61	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.34	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	2.64	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.48	11.91	-2.43

SIHY vs. SPHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the SPHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIHY and SPHY, 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

SIHY vs. SPHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIHY drawdown since its inception was -13.30%, smaller than the maximum SPHY drawdown of -21.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIHY and SPHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIHY	SPHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.30%	-21.97%	+8.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.17%	-2.41%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.36%	-4.85%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.29%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-0.13%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-2.28%	-0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	0.53%	+0.24%

Volatility

SIHY vs. SPHY - Volatility Comparison

Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF (SIHY) has a higher volatility of 1.20% compared to SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF (SPHY) at 0.92%. This indicates that SIHY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIHY	SPHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	0.92%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.16%	2.97%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.21%	3.71%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.54%	7.18%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.54%	7.86%	-0.32%

SIHY vs. SPHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIHY has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than SPHY's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIHY vs. SPHY - Dividend Comparison

SIHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.22%, which matches SPHY's 7.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIHY Harbor Scientific Alpha High-Yield ETF	7.22%	7.61%	7.54%	7.06%	6.31%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPHY SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF	7.24%	7.38%	7.80%	7.30%	6.47%	5.13%	5.63%	5.73%	4.09%	4.41%	4.27%	4.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIHY and SPHY in my portfolio?

SIHY and SPHY have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIHY or SPHY?

SIHY has higher volatility (1.20%) compared to SPHY (0.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIHY dropped -13.30% vs SPHY's -21.97%.

Which ETF is better, SIHY or SPHY?

On 3-year performance, SIHY leads with 9.70% vs 9.12% for SPHY. On fees, SPHY is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SPHY has been the lower-risk option at 0.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIHY or SPHY?

Over the 3-year period, SIHY has performed better with a 9.70% return vs 9.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIHY or SPHY?

SPHY is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for SIHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SIHY or SPHY?

SPHY has the higher dividend yield at 7.24%, compared with 7.22% for SIHY.

What is the main difference between SIHY and SPHY?

SIHY tracks ICE BofA US High Yield, while SPHY tracks ICE BofA US High Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for SIHY and 0.05% for SPHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.72), 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.