VGHY vs. ESHY

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VGHY (Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF) and ESHY (Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. VGHY is actively managed, while ESHY is passively managed. VGHY charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for ESHY.

Performance

VGHY vs. ESHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) and Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (ESHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VGHY

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESHY

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGHY vs. ESHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	0.80%
ESHY Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	0.00%

Return for Risk

VGHY vs. ESHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) and Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (ESHY). 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

	VGHY	ESHY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.08	—	—

Drawdowns

VGHY vs. ESHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGHY drawdown since its inception was -2.66%, which is greater than ESHY's maximum drawdown of 0.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGHY and ESHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGHY	ESHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.66%	0.00%	-2.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	0.00%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.45%	0.00%	-0.45%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGHY	ESHY	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.28%	0.00%	+4.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.28%	0.00%	+4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.28%	0.00%	+4.28%

VGHY vs. ESHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGHY has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than ESHY's 0.20% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGHY vs. ESHY - Dividend Comparison

VGHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.98%, while ESHY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ESHY Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF	0.00%	0.00%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	3.98%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, VGHY or ESHY?

On fees, ESHY is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGHY or ESHY?

ESHY is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for VGHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGHY or ESHY?

VGHY has the higher dividend yield at 3.98%, compared with 0.00% for ESHY.

What is the main difference between VGHY and ESHY?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Deutsche Bank. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for VGHY and 0.20% for ESHY.