VSHY vs. YLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSHY (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF) and YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VSHY returned 6.40% vs 7.36% for YLD. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSHY charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for YLD.

Performance

VSHY vs. YLD - 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 Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD). 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 YLD's 2.83% return.

VSHY

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

YLD

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 2.83%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 7.36%
• 3Y*: 8.85%
• 5Y*: 4.74%
• 10Y*: 5.80%

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

VSHY vs. YLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	1.75%	6.87%	8.03%	3.76%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	2.83%	6.55%	9.19%	2.97%

Correlation

The correlation between VSHY and YLD is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2023	0.58

The correlation between VSHY and YLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSHY vs. YLD — 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

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 59
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 50
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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. YLD - 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 Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD). 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	YLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	1.71	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.57	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.32	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	3.74	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.84	12.96	+0.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSHY vs. YLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the YLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSHY and YLD, 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

	VSHY	YLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	1.71	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.88	0.65	+1.23

Drawdowns

VSHY vs. YLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSHY drawdown since its inception was -4.55%, smaller than the maximum YLD drawdown of -28.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSHY and YLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSHY	YLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-28.34%	+23.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.73%	-1.98%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.89%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.37%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.42%	-2.70%	+2.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.46%	0.57%	-0.11%

Volatility

VSHY vs. YLD - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) have volatilities of 1.32% and 1.32%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSHY	YLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	1.32%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.65%	3.51%	-0.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.40%	4.34%	-0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.40%	6.40%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.40%	8.21%	-3.81%

VSHY vs. YLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSHY has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than YLD's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSHY vs. YLD - Dividend Comparison

VSHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.41%, less than YLD's 7.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSHY Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF	6.41%	6.14%	6.81%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.27%	7.33%	7.12%	6.46%	6.51%	3.92%	4.40%	4.81%	5.42%	6.28%	4.47%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSHY and YLD in my portfolio?

VSHY and YLD have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSHY or YLD?

YLD has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to VSHY (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSHY dropped -4.55% vs YLD's -28.34%.

Which ETF is better, VSHY or YLD?

On 1-year performance, YLD leads with 7.36% vs 6.40% for VSHY. On fees, YLD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSHY or YLD?

Over the 1-year period, YLD has performed better with a 7.36% return vs 6.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSHY or YLD?

YLD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for VSHY.

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

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.27%, compared with 6.41% for VSHY.

What is the main difference between VSHY and YLD?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for VSHY and 0.39% for YLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.71), 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.