SYFI vs. HYFI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

SYFI (AB Short Duration High Yield ETF) and HYFI (AB High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds from AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SYFI returned 6.36% vs 7.55% for HYFI. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.40% expense ratio.

Performance

SYFI vs. HYFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) 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, SYFI achieves a 1.34% return, which is significantly lower than HYFI's 1.60% return.

SYFI

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 6.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HYFI

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 1.95%
• 1Y: 7.55%
• 3Y*: 9.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SYFI vs. HYFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	1.34%	7.19%	4.97%
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	1.60%	8.91%	5.55%

Correlation

The correlation between SYFI and HYFI is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2024	0.78

The correlation between SYFI and HYFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SYFI vs. HYFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYFI

SYFI Risk / Return Rank: 71
SYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 81

HYFI

HYFI Risk / Return Rank: 67
HYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
HYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
HYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 65
HYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
HYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

SYFI vs. HYFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) 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.

	SYFI	HYFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.92	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.97	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.37	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	3.04	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.05	13.70	+1.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SYFI vs. HYFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SYFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the HYFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SYFI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SYFI	HYFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	1.92	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	1.67	-0.05

Drawdowns

SYFI vs. HYFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYFI drawdown since its inception was -4.49%, smaller than the maximum HYFI drawdown of -6.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYFI and HYFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYFI	HYFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-6.34%	+1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.94%	-2.49%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.59%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-0.51%	+0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.42%	0.55%	-0.13%

Volatility

SYFI vs. HYFI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) is 0.89%, while AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) has a volatility of 1.10%. This indicates that SYFI 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

	SYFI	HYFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	1.10%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.45%	3.11%	-0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.21%	3.96%	-0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.23%	5.36%	-1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.23%	5.36%	-1.13%

SYFI vs. HYFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SYFI vs. HYFI - Dividend Comparison

SYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.14%, less than HYFI's 6.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	6.66%	6.66%	6.57%	4.17%
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	6.14%	6.20%	3.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYFI and HYFI in my portfolio?

SYFI and HYFI have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SYFI or HYFI?

HYFI has higher volatility (1.10%) compared to SYFI (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SYFI dropped -4.49% vs HYFI's -6.34%.

Which ETF is better, SYFI or HYFI?

On 1-year performance, HYFI leads with 7.55% vs 6.36% for SYFI. Both ETFs have the same 0.40% expense ratio. On volatility, SYFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SYFI or HYFI?

Over the 1-year period, HYFI has performed better with a 7.55% return vs 6.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYFI or HYFI?

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

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

HYFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.66%, compared with 6.14% for SYFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.92), 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.