YLD vs. BITI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) and BITI (ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - YLD is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Principal, while BITI is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index. YLD is actively managed, while BITI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, YLD returned 8.39%/yr vs -31.62%/yr for BITI. At a correlation of -0.28, they often move in opposite directions. YLD charges 0.39%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for BITI.

Performance

YLD vs. BITI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YLD achieves a 3.38% return, which is significantly lower than BITI's 24.48% return.

YLD

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 2.89%
• YTD: 3.38%
• 1Y: 6.14%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: 4.80%
• 10Y*: 5.49%

BITI

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 1.49%
• 6M: 35.86%
• YTD: 24.48%
• 1Y: 64.61%
• 3Y*: -31.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YLD vs. BITI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	3.38%	6.55%	9.19%	12.93%	2.74%
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	24.48%	-1.76%	-62.60%	-66.17%	3.39%

Correlation

The correlation between YLD and BITI is -0.32, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2022	-0.28

Return for Risk

YLD vs. BITI — Risk / Return Rank

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

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 60
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 49
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

BITI

BITI Risk / Return Rank: 52
BITI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
BITI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BITI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
BITI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
BITI Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

YLD vs. BITI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). 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.

	YLD	BITI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.47	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.04	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	2.57	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.73	6.38	+4.35

YLD vs. BITI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the BITI Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YLD and BITI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

YLD vs. BITI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLD drawdown since its inception was -28.34%, smaller than the maximum BITI drawdown of -92.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLD and BITI.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLD	BITI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.34%	-92.16%	+63.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.98%	-25.28%	+23.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.62%	-84.63%	+79.01%
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	-0.11%	-86.41%	+86.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.68%	-68.40%	+65.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.57%	10.16%	-9.59%

Volatility

YLD vs. BITI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is 1.09%, while ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI) has a volatility of 10.76%. This indicates that YLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BITI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YLD	BITI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.09%	10.76%	-9.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.52%	34.28%	-30.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.41%	44.15%	-39.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	52.24%	-45.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.15%	52.24%	-44.09%

YLD vs. BITI - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than BITI's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLD vs. BITI - Dividend Comparison

YLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.27%, less than BITI's 15.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	15.62%	1.60%	3.91%	3.33%	0.06%	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 YLD and BITI in my portfolio?

YLD and BITI have a correlation of -0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YLD or BITI?

BITI has higher volatility (10.76%) compared to YLD (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YLD dropped -28.34% vs BITI's -92.16%.

Which ETF is better, YLD or BITI?

On 3-year performance, YLD leads with 8.39% vs -31.62% for BITI. On fees, YLD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, YLD has been the lower-risk option at 1.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YLD or BITI?

Over the 3-year period, YLD has performed better with a 8.39% return vs -31.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLD or BITI?

YLD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BITI.

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

BITI has the higher dividend yield at 15.62%, compared with 7.27% for YLD.

What is the main difference between YLD and BITI?

YLD is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while BITI is Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: Principal and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for YLD and 1.03% for BITI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.40), 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.