YLD vs. JNK

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) and JNK (SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. YLD is actively managed, while JNK is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, YLD returned 5.73%/yr vs 4.97%/yr for JNK. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. YLD charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for JNK.

Performance

YLD vs. JNK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YLD achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly higher than JNK's 1.67% return. Over the past 10 years, YLD has outperformed JNK with an annualized return of 5.73%, while JNK has yielded a comparatively lower 4.97% annualized return.

YLD

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 3.53%
• 1Y: 7.28%
• 3Y*: 8.69%
• 5Y*: 4.77%
• 10Y*: 5.73%

JNK

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.67%
• 6M: 2.10%
• 1Y: 7.16%
• 3Y*: 8.73%
• 5Y*: 3.72%
• 10Y*: 4.97%

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

YLD vs. JNK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	2.97%	6.55%	9.19%	12.93%	-8.78%	9.17%	1.50%	13.58%	-3.30%	9.12%
JNK SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF	1.67%	8.76%	7.71%	12.42%	-12.19%	4.00%	4.95%	14.88%	-3.28%	6.49%

Correlation

The correlation between YLD and JNK is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2015	0.54

Over the past year, YLD and JNK have become more correlated (0.75) than their long-term average of 0.54, meaning their price movements have been converging.

YLD vs. JNK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	YLD	JNK
Real Estate	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

YLD vs. JNK — 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: 50
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 51
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 70

JNK

JNK Risk / Return Rank: 61
JNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
JNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
JNK Omega Ratio Rank: 60
JNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
JNK Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. JNK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (JNK). 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.

	YLD	JNK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.89	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.86	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.36	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	2.87	+0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.81	12.66	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

YLD vs. JNK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the JNK Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YLD and JNK, 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

	YLD	JNK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.89	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.49	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.60	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.42	+0.23

Drawdowns

YLD vs. JNK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLD drawdown since its inception was -28.34%, smaller than the maximum JNK drawdown of -38.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLD and JNK.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLD	JNK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.34%	-38.48%	+10.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.98%	-2.51%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.62%	-5.02%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.89%	-16.67%	+2.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.34%	-22.89%	-5.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-0.10%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.70%	-3.70%	+1.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.57%	0.57%	0.00%

Volatility

YLD vs. JNK - Volatility Comparison

Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) has a higher volatility of 1.31% compared to SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (JNK) at 1.14%. This indicates that YLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JNK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YLD	JNK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	1.14%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.50%	2.97%	+0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.34%	3.82%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	7.54%	-1.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.21%	8.31%	-0.10%

YLD vs. JNK - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than JNK's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLD vs. JNK - Dividend Comparison

YLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.26%, more than JNK's 6.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JNK SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF	6.61%	6.54%	6.63%	6.38%	6.06%	4.27%	5.11%	5.44%	5.90%	5.60%	6.06%	6.59%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.26%	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 JNK in my portfolio?

YLD and JNK have a correlation of 0.75, 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 JNK?

YLD has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to JNK (1.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YLD dropped -28.34% vs JNK's -38.48%.

Which ETF is better, YLD or JNK?

On 10-year performance, YLD leads with 5.73% vs 4.97% for JNK. On fees, YLD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, JNK has been the lower-risk option at 1.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YLD or JNK?

Over the 10-year period, YLD has performed better with a 5.73% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLD or JNK?

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

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

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.26%, compared with 6.61% for JNK.

What is the main difference between YLD and JNK?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for YLD and 0.40% for JNK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JNK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.69), 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.