YLD vs. JHHY

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) and JHHY (John Hancock High Yield ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, YLD returned 5.85% vs 6.20% for JHHY. Their 0.67 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. YLD charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for JHHY.

Performance

YLD vs. JHHY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YLD achieves a 3.49% return, which is significantly higher than JHHY's 2.06% return.

YLD

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.14%
• 6M: 2.33%
• YTD: 3.49%
• 1Y: 5.85%
• 3Y*: 8.47%
• 5Y*: 4.67%
• 10Y*: 5.27%
• ALL TIME*: 5.34%

JHHY

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 1.33%
• YTD: 2.06%
• 1Y: 6.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.27%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
JHHY John Hancock High Yield ETF	$798.24K	$526.71K	$521.03K
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	$3.83M	$3.27M	$3.45M

YLD vs. JHHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	3.49%	6.55%	6.75%
JHHY John Hancock High Yield ETF	2.06%	9.18%	7.35%

Correlation

The correlation between YLD and JHHY is 0.70, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2024	0.67

The correlation between YLD and JHHY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

YLD vs. JHHY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 63
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 76

JHHY

JHHY Risk / Return Rank: 67
JHHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
JHHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
JHHY Omega Ratio Rank: 66
JHHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
JHHY Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

YLD vs. JHHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and John Hancock High Yield ETF (JHHY). 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	JHHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.60	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.47	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	2.48	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.16	10.65	-0.49

YLD vs. JHHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the JHHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YLD and JHHY, 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. JHHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLD drawdown since its inception was -28.34%, which is greater than JHHY's maximum drawdown of -4.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLD and JHHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLD	JHHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.34%	-4.95%	-23.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.98%	-2.51%	+0.53%
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	0.00%	-0.24%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.66%	-0.39%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.58%	0.58%	0.00%

Volatility

YLD vs. JHHY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is 0.75%, while John Hancock High Yield ETF (JHHY) has a volatility of 0.83%. This indicates that YLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JHHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YLD	JHHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.75%	0.83%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.53%	3.11%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.43%	3.90%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.38%	4.73%	+1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.09%	4.73%	+3.36%

YLD vs. JHHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than JHHY's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLD vs. JHHY - Dividend Comparison

YLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.34%, more than JHHY's 6.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHHY John Hancock High Yield ETF	6.98%	7.21%	5.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.34%	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 JHHY in my portfolio?

YLD and JHHY have a correlation of 0.70, 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 JHHY?

JHHY has higher volatility (0.83%) compared to YLD (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YLD dropped -28.34% vs JHHY's -4.95%.

Which ETF is better, YLD or JHHY?

On 1-year performance, JHHY leads with 6.20% vs 5.85% for YLD. 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, YLD or JHHY?

Over the 1-year period, JHHY has performed better with a 6.20% return vs 5.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLD or JHHY?

YLD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for JHHY.

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

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.34%, compared with 6.98% for JHHY.

What is the main difference between YLD and JHHY?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and John Hancock. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for YLD and 0.52% for JHHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.33), 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.