VUS vs. VSHY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

VUS vs. VSHY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

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

VUS

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

VSHY

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

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

VUS vs. VSHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and VSHY 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

VUS vs. VSHY — 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.

VUS vs. VSHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Drawdowns

VUS vs. VSHY - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	VSHY	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	14.63%	3.40%	+11.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.63%	4.40%	+10.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.63%	4.40%	+10.23%

VUS vs. VSHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VUS vs. VSHY - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, less than VSHY's 6.41% 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 VUS and VSHY in my portfolio?

VUS and VSHY 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, VUS or VSHY?

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, VUS or VSHY?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between VUS and VSHY?

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