USHY vs. VIGI

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

USHY (iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) and VIGI (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USHY is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index, while VIGI is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USHY returned 4.20%/yr vs 4.32%/yr for VIGI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

USHY vs. VIGI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USHY achieves a 1.73% return, which is significantly lower than VIGI's 3.33% return.

USHY

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 1.73%
• 6M: 2.10%
• 1Y: 7.02%
• 3Y*: 8.95%
• 5Y*: 4.20%
• 10Y*: —

VIGI

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 3.33%
• 6M: 3.83%
• 1Y: 6.32%
• 3Y*: 9.88%
• 5Y*: 4.32%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

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

USHY vs. VIGI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USHY iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	1.73%	8.81%	8.45%	12.73%	-11.18%	5.02%	6.17%	14.24%	-2.41%	0.16%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	3.33%	16.88%	2.73%	16.30%	-16.79%	12.51%	14.66%	27.53%	-11.50%	4.46%

Correlation

The correlation between USHY and VIGI is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2017	0.65

The correlation between USHY and VIGI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

USHY vs. VIGI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USHY	VIGI
Energy	99.2%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.3%
Basic Materials	-	4.1%
Communication Services	-	1.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	9.7%
Financial Services	-	29.0%
Healthcare	-	14.6%
Industrials	-	17.1%
Technology	-	11.5%
Utilities	-	4.8%

Return for Risk

USHY vs. VIGI — Risk / Return Rank

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

USHY

USHY Risk / Return Rank: 75
USHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
USHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
USHY Omega Ratio Rank: 76
USHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
USHY Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VIGI

VIGI Risk / Return Rank: 19
VIGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VIGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VIGI Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VIGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VIGI Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

USHY vs. VIGI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI). 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.

	USHY	VIGI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	0.48	+1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	0.77	+2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.09	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	0.60	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.98	2.08	+10.90

USHY vs. VIGI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the VIGI Sharpe Ratio of 0.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USHY and VIGI, 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

USHY vs. VIGI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USHY drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum VIGI drawdown of -31.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USHY and VIGI.

Drawdown Indicators

	USHY	VIGI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-31.01%	+8.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.43%	-10.64%	+8.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.66%	-14.50%	+9.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.56%	-28.80%	+13.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.81%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.66%	-6.17%	+3.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.54%	3.04%	-2.50%

Volatility

USHY vs. VIGI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) is 1.20%, while Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) has a volatility of 3.34%. This indicates that USHY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USHY	VIGI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	3.34%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.98%	10.45%	-7.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.69%	13.20%	-9.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.35%	14.47%	-7.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.24%	15.88%	-7.64%

USHY vs. VIGI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both USHY and VIGI have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USHY vs. VIGI - Dividend Comparison

USHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.90%, more than VIGI's 2.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
USHY iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	6.90%	6.79%	6.89%	6.63%	6.08%	5.07%	5.30%	5.92%	6.30%	0.73%	0.00%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	2.13%	2.14%	1.93%	1.92%	2.06%	7.02%	1.29%	1.83%	1.99%	1.75%	1.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USHY and VIGI in my portfolio?

USHY and VIGI have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USHY or VIGI?

VIGI has higher volatility (3.34%) compared to USHY (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USHY dropped -22.44% vs VIGI's -31.01%.

Which ETF is better, USHY or VIGI?

On 5-year performance, VIGI leads with 4.32% vs 4.20% for USHY. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, USHY has been the lower-risk option at 1.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USHY or VIGI?

Over the 5-year period, VIGI has performed better with a 4.32% return vs 4.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USHY or VIGI?

USHY and VIGI have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USHY or VIGI?

USHY has the higher dividend yield at 6.90%, compared with 2.13% for VIGI.

What is the main difference between USHY and VIGI?

USHY is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while VIGI is Dividend. USHY tracks ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index, while VIGI tracks S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.48), 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.