VGHY vs. PHYD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VGHY (Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF) and PHYD (Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGHY charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PHYD.

Performance

VGHY vs. PHYD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) and Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGHY achieves a 1.72% return, which is significantly lower than PHYD's 2.32% return.

VGHY

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 2.20%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PHYD

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -0.19%
• YTD: 2.32%
• 6M: 2.57%
• 1Y: 7.27%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGHY vs. PHYD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	1.72%	1.77%
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	2.32%	2.00%

Correlation

The correlation between VGHY and PHYD is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

VGHY vs. PHYD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGHY

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PHYD

PHYD Risk / Return Rank: 81
PHYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
PHYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
PHYD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
PHYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
PHYD Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VGHY vs. PHYD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) and Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD). 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.

	VGHY	PHYD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.28	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.62	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.46	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.66	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.79	—

Drawdowns

VGHY vs. PHYD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGHY drawdown since its inception was -2.66%, smaller than the maximum PHYD drawdown of -4.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGHY and PHYD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGHY	PHYD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.66%	-4.33%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.10%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-0.79%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.44%	-0.62%	+0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGHY	PHYD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.57%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.25%	3.36%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.25%	4.58%	-0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.25%	4.58%	-0.33%

VGHY vs. PHYD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGHY has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than PHYD's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGHY vs. PHYD - Dividend Comparison

VGHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.97%, less than PHYD's 8.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	8.52%	6.63%	6.80%	6.15%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	3.97%	1.49%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGHY and PHYD in my portfolio?

VGHY and PHYD have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGHY or PHYD?

On fees, VGHY is cheaper at 0.22% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGHY or PHYD?

VGHY is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PHYD.

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

PHYD has the higher dividend yield at 8.52%, compared with 3.97% for VGHY.

What is the main difference between VGHY and PHYD?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for VGHY and 0.55% for PHYD.