VSHY vs. VUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSHY (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF) and VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSHY is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while VUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSHY charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for VUS.

Performance

VSHY vs. VUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSHY achieves a 1.75% return, which is significantly lower than VUS's 19.93% return.

VSHY

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 1.75%
• 6M: 1.74%
• 1Y: 6.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUS

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 20.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSHY vs. VUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	1.75%	-0.01%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	19.93%	0.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VSHY and VUS is 0.64, 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 Dec 4, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

VSHY vs. VUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSHY

VSHY Risk / Return Rank: 65
VSHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VSHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VSHY Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VSHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSHY Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

VSHY vs. VUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). 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.

	VSHY	VUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.84	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSHY	VUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.88	3.23	-1.35

Drawdowns

VSHY vs. VUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSHY drawdown since its inception was -4.55%, smaller than the maximum VUS drawdown of -9.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSHY and VUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSHY	VUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-9.45%	+4.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.58%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.42%	-1.46%	+1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.46%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSHY	VUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.65%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.40%	14.63%	-11.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.40%	14.63%	-10.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.40%	14.63%	-10.23%

VSHY vs. VUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSHY has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VUS's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSHY vs. VUS - Dividend Comparison

VSHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.41%, more than VUS's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	6.41%	6.14%	6.81%	1.36%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSHY and VUS in my portfolio?

VSHY and VUS have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VSHY or VUS?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSHY or VUS?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for VSHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSHY or VUS?

VSHY has the higher dividend yield at 6.41%, compared with 0.73% for VUS.

What is the main difference between VSHY and VUS?

VSHY is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while VUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for VSHY and 0.25% for VUS.