USML vs. HDLB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

USML (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN) and HDLB (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B) are both Leveraged Equities funds from UBS - USML tracks the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index while HDLB tracks the Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USML returned 8.67%/yr vs 11.80%/yr for HDLB. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USML charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.65%/yr for HDLB.

Performance

USML vs. HDLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USML achieves a 4.25% return, which is significantly lower than HDLB's 11.61% return.

USML

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 4.25%
• 6M: 4.48%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: 16.76%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: —

HDLB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: 11.61%
• 6M: 11.25%
• 1Y: 20.23%
• 3Y*: 27.56%
• 5Y*: 11.80%
• 10Y*: —

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

USML vs. HDLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	4.25%	9.33%	23.97%	11.37%	-22.87%	42.12%
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B	11.61%	27.26%	28.21%	-4.12%	-11.46%	42.92%

Correlation

The correlation between USML and HDLB is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2021	0.65

The correlation between USML and HDLB shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.65 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

USML vs. HDLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

USML

USML Risk / Return Rank: 12
USML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
USML Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
USML Omega Ratio Rank: 12
USML Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
USML Martin Ratio Rank: 13

HDLB

HDLB Risk / Return Rank: 24
HDLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
HDLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
HDLB Omega Ratio Rank: 22
HDLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
HDLB Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

USML vs. HDLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB). 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.

	USML	HDLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	0.77	-0.51
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	1.23	-0.75
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.15	-0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	1.36	-1.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.03	3.01	-1.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USML vs. HDLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USML Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the HDLB Sharpe Ratio of 0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USML and HDLB, 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

	USML	HDLB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	0.77	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.39	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.10	+0.34

Drawdowns

USML vs. HDLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USML drawdown since its inception was -35.34%, smaller than the maximum HDLB drawdown of -78.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USML and HDLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	USML	HDLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.34%	-78.70%	+43.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.09%	-14.50%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-22.46%	+3.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.34%	-43.81%	+8.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-12.64%	+10.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.42%	-27.48%	+17.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	6.56%	-2.23%

Volatility

USML vs. HDLB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) is 4.03%, while ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB) has a volatility of 6.36%. This indicates that USML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HDLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USML	HDLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	6.36%	-2.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.54%	18.10%	-6.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.33%	26.40%	-10.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.47%	30.54%	-6.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.29%	43.59%	-19.30%

USML vs. HDLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

USML has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than HDLB's 1.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

USML vs. HDLB - Dividend Comparison

USML has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HDLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.92%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B	11.92%	12.20%	10.09%	12.36%	10.86%	8.07%	16.23%	0.97%
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USML and HDLB in my portfolio?

USML and HDLB have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USML or HDLB?

HDLB has higher volatility (6.36%) compared to USML (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USML dropped -35.34% vs HDLB's -78.70%.

Which ETF is better, USML or HDLB?

On 5-year performance, HDLB leads with 11.80% vs 8.67% for USML. On fees, USML is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, USML has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USML or HDLB?

Over the 5-year period, HDLB has performed better with a 11.80% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USML or HDLB?

USML is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.65% for HDLB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USML or HDLB?

HDLB has the higher dividend yield at 11.92%, compared with 0.00% for USML.

What is the main difference between USML and HDLB?

USML tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while HDLB tracks Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.95% for USML and 1.65% for HDLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.77 vs 0.26), 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.