SYFI vs. SCYB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SYFI (AB Short Duration High Yield ETF) and SCYB (Schwab High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. SYFI is actively managed, while SCYB is passively managed. Over the past year, SYFI returned 6.81% vs 7.03% for SCYB. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SYFI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCYB.

Performance

SYFI vs. SCYB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SYFI having a 1.72% return and SCYB slightly higher at 1.76%.

SYFI

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 6.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCYB

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 1.76%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 7.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SYFI vs. SCYB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	1.72%	7.19%	4.97%
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	1.76%	8.33%	5.94%

Correlation

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

The correlation between SYFI and SCYB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SYFI vs. SCYB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SYFI

SYFI Risk / Return Rank: 73
SYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SCYB

SCYB Risk / Return Rank: 62
SCYB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCYB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SCYB Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SCYB Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SCYB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. SCYB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). 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	SCYB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.89	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	2.83	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.37	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.52	2.89	+0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.16	12.95	+3.21
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. SCYB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SYFI Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the SCYB Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SYFI and SCYB, 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	SCYB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.89	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.68	1.70	-0.02

Drawdowns

SYFI vs. SCYB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYFI drawdown since its inception was -4.49%, smaller than the maximum SCYB drawdown of -4.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYFI and SCYB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYFI	SCYB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-4.92%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.94%	-2.44%	+0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.12%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-0.52%	+0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.42%	0.54%	-0.12%

Volatility

SYFI vs. SCYB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) is 0.84%, while Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB) has a volatility of 1.09%. This indicates that SYFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCYB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SYFI	SCYB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.84%	1.09%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.42%	2.94%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.19%	3.75%	-0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.23%	5.13%	-0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.23%	5.13%	-0.90%

SYFI vs. SCYB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYFI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than SCYB's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYFI vs. SCYB - Dividend Comparison

SYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.12%, less than SCYB's 6.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	6.92%	6.99%	7.06%	3.36%
SYFI AB Short Duration High Yield ETF	6.12%	6.20%	3.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYFI and SCYB in my portfolio?

SYFI and SCYB 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, SYFI or SCYB?

SCYB has higher volatility (1.09%) compared to SYFI (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SYFI dropped -4.49% vs SCYB's -4.92%.

Which ETF is better, SYFI or SCYB?

On 1-year performance, SCYB leads with 7.03% vs 6.81% for SYFI. On fees, SCYB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SYFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SYFI or SCYB?

Over the 1-year period, SCYB has performed better with a 7.03% return vs 6.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYFI or SCYB?

SCYB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SYFI.

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

SCYB has the higher dividend yield at 6.92%, compared with 6.12% for SYFI.

What is the main difference between SYFI and SCYB?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SYFI and 0.03% for SCYB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.89), 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.