SJB vs. HYG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SJB (ProShares Short High Yield) and HYG (iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SJB is a Inverse Bonds fund tracking the iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index (-100%), while HYG is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SJB returned -3.84%/yr vs 4.91%/yr for HYG. At a correlation of -0.94, they often move in opposite directions. SJB charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for HYG.

Performance

SJB vs. HYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short High Yield (SJB) and iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SJB achieves a 0.48% return, which is significantly lower than HYG's 1.51% return. Over the past 10 years, SJB has underperformed HYG with an annualized return of -3.84%, while HYG has yielded a comparatively higher 4.91% annualized return.

SJB

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.59%
• 1Y: -0.45%
• 3Y*: -2.01%
• 5Y*: -0.58%
• 10Y*: -3.84%

HYG

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 1.51%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 6.51%
• 3Y*: 8.57%
• 5Y*: 3.81%
• 10Y*: 4.91%

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

SJB vs. HYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SJB ProShares Short High Yield	0.48%	-1.87%	-0.84%	-5.63%	9.57%	-6.69%	-9.23%	-11.42%	2.47%	-6.17%
HYG iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	1.51%	8.59%	7.97%	11.54%	-10.98%	3.76%	4.47%	14.09%	-2.02%	6.07%

Correlation

The correlation between SJB and HYG is -0.94, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2011	-0.94

The correlation between SJB and HYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.97 to -0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

SJB vs. HYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SJB	HYG
Financial Services	97.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.4%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	99.6%

Return for Risk

SJB vs. HYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SJB

SJB Risk / Return Rank: 7
SJB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
SJB Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
SJB Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SJB Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SJB Martin Ratio Rank: 8

HYG

HYG Risk / Return Rank: 57
HYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
HYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
HYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
HYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
HYG Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

SJB vs. HYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short High Yield (SJB) and iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG). 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.

	SJB	HYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.12	1.72	-1.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.14	2.59	-2.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.33	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.17	2.79	-2.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.31	12.34	-12.66
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SJB vs. HYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SJB Sharpe Ratio is -0.12, which is lower than the HYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SJB and HYG, 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

	SJB	HYG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12	1.72	-1.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.08	0.51	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.45	0.59	-1.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.60	0.46	-1.06

Drawdowns

SJB vs. HYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SJB drawdown since its inception was -58.06%, which is greater than HYG's maximum drawdown of -34.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SJB and HYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SJB	HYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.06%	-34.25%	-23.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.74%	-2.34%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.54%	-4.56%	-5.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.30%	-15.79%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.57%	-22.03%	-12.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-57.51%	-0.09%	-57.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-42.48%	-3.24%	-39.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.45%	0.53%	+0.92%

Volatility

SJB vs. HYG - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Short High Yield (SJB) and iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) have volatilities of 1.22% and 1.21%, 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

	SJB	HYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.22%	1.21%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.95%	3.01%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.83%	3.81%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.51%	7.53%	-0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.52%	8.29%	+0.23%

SJB vs. HYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SJB has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than HYG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

SJB vs. HYG - Dividend Comparison

SJB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.44%, less than HYG's 5.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYG iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	5.91%	5.71%	6.01%	5.74%	5.30%	4.02%	4.88%	4.99%	5.54%	5.12%	5.27%	5.90%
SJB ProShares Short High Yield	3.44%	3.86%	5.86%	4.10%	0.46%	0.00%	0.07%	1.27%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SJB and HYG in my portfolio?

SJB and HYG have a correlation of -0.94, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SJB or HYG?

SJB has higher volatility (1.22%) compared to HYG (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SJB dropped -58.06% vs HYG's -34.25%.

Which ETF is better, SJB or HYG?

On 10-year performance, HYG leads with 4.91% vs -3.84% for SJB. On fees, HYG is cheaper at 0.49% 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, SJB or HYG?

Over the 10-year period, HYG has performed better with a 4.91% return vs -3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SJB or HYG?

HYG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SJB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SJB or HYG?

HYG has the higher dividend yield at 5.91%, compared with 3.44% for SJB.

What is the main difference between SJB and HYG?

SJB is categorized as Inverse Bonds, while HYG is High Yield Bonds. SJB tracks iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index (-100%), while HYG tracks Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SJB and 0.49% for HYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs -0.12), 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.