SJNK vs. HYFI

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SJNK (SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF) and HYFI (AB High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. SJNK is passively managed, while HYFI is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SJNK returned 8.31%/yr vs 9.19%/yr for HYFI. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.40% expense ratio.

Performance

SJNK vs. HYFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) and AB High Yield ETF (HYFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SJNK achieves a 1.65% return, which is significantly lower than HYFI's 2.12% return.

SJNK

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 1.65%
• 1Y: 5.61%
• 3Y*: 8.31%
• 5Y*: 4.76%
• 10Y*: 5.65%

HYFI

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 2.12%
• 6M: 2.03%
• 1Y: 6.84%
• 3Y*: 9.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SJNK vs. HYFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SJNK SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF	1.65%	7.68%	8.24%	8.13%
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	2.12%	8.91%	7.98%	8.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SJNK and HYFI is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2023	0.89

The correlation between SJNK and HYFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SJNK vs. HYFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SJNK

SJNK Risk / Return Rank: 70
SJNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SJNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SJNK Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SJNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SJNK Martin Ratio Rank: 81

HYFI

HYFI Risk / Return Rank: 65
HYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
HYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 61
HYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
HYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

SJNK vs. HYFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) and AB High Yield ETF (HYFI). 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.

	SJNK	HYFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.73	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.67	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	2.76	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.99	12.32	+1.67

SJNK vs. HYFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SJNK Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the HYFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SJNK and HYFI, 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

SJNK vs. HYFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SJNK drawdown since its inception was -19.74%, which is greater than HYFI's maximum drawdown of -6.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SJNK and HYFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SJNK	HYFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.74%	-6.34%	-13.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.73%	-2.49%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.77%	-6.34%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.12%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.63%	-0.50%	-1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.40%	0.56%	-0.16%

Volatility

SJNK vs. HYFI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) is 0.85%, while AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) has a volatility of 0.92%. This indicates that SJNK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HYFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SJNK	HYFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.85%	0.92%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.52%	3.15%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.23%	3.97%	-0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.84%	5.33%	+0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.47%	5.33%	+1.14%

SJNK vs. HYFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SJNK and HYFI have an expense ratio of 0.40%.

Dividends

SJNK vs. HYFI - Dividend Comparison

SJNK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.00%, more than HYFI's 6.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	6.63%	6.66%	6.57%	4.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SJNK SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF	7.00%	7.12%	7.47%	7.20%	5.85%	4.21%	5.34%	5.64%	5.69%	5.64%	5.65%	5.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SJNK and HYFI in my portfolio?

SJNK and HYFI have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SJNK or HYFI?

HYFI has higher volatility (0.92%) compared to SJNK (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SJNK dropped -19.74% vs HYFI's -6.34%.

Which ETF is better, SJNK or HYFI?

On 3-year performance, HYFI leads with 9.19% vs 8.31% for SJNK. Both ETFs have the same 0.40% expense ratio. 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, SJNK or HYFI?

Over the 3-year period, HYFI has performed better with a 9.19% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SJNK or HYFI?

SJNK and HYFI have the same expense ratio: 0.40% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SJNK or HYFI?

SJNK has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 6.63% for HYFI.

What is the main difference between SJNK and HYFI?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and AllianceBernstein.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SJNK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.73), 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.