SNLN vs. HYLB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SNLN (Highland iBoxx Senior Loan ETF) and HYLB (Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds - SNLN tracks the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Leveraged Loan Index while HYLB tracks the Solactive USD High Yield Corporates Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SNLN charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for HYLB.

Performance

SNLN vs. HYLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Highland iBoxx Senior Loan ETF (SNLN) and Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SNLN

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

HYLB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 1.53%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 6.87%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: 4.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

SNLN vs. HYLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SNLN Highland iBoxx Senior Loan ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	5.84%	-3.76%	2.05%	-5.73%	7.03%	-0.95%	1.66%
HYLB Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	1.53%	8.74%	8.14%	12.03%	-10.80%	3.94%	5.04%	14.06%	-1.80%	6.00%

Correlation

The correlation between SNLN and HYLB is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2016	0.29

The correlation between SNLN and HYLB shifts across timeframes, from 0.05 (3 years) to 0.29 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SNLN vs. HYLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYLB

HYLB Risk / Return Rank: 60
HYLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
HYLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
HYLB Omega Ratio Rank: 59
HYLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
HYLB Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

SNLN vs. HYLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Highland iBoxx Senior Loan ETF (SNLN) and Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYLB). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SNLN	HYLB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.58	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	SNLN	HYLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-22.91%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.27%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.51%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.54%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.19%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-2.43%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SNLN	HYLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.70%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	7.47%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	8.18%	—

SNLN vs. HYLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SNLN has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than HYLB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SNLN vs. HYLB - Dividend Comparison

SNLN has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HYLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.49%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYLB Xtrackers USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	6.49%	6.29%	6.31%	5.84%	5.53%	4.45%	5.22%	5.71%	5.95%	5.85%	0.27%	0.00%
SNLN Highland iBoxx Senior Loan ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	5.50%	4.88%	2.83%	3.21%	4.72%	5.03%	4.75%	4.36%	4.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SNLN and HYLB in my portfolio?

SNLN and HYLB have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SNLN or HYLB?

On fees, HYLB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SNLN or HYLB?

HYLB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SNLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SNLN or HYLB?

HYLB has the higher dividend yield at 6.49%, compared with 0.00% for SNLN.

What is the main difference between SNLN and HYLB?

SNLN tracks Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Leveraged Loan Index, while HYLB tracks Solactive USD High Yield Corporates Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Highland Capital Management and DWS. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SNLN and 0.15% for HYLB.