AHYB vs HYLS
American Century Select High Yield ETF vs First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF
Which is better, AHYB or HYLS?
AHYB has been ahead.
AHYB has a lower expense ratio. AHYB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHYB | HYLS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45%Best | 1.05% |
| AUM | $60M | $1.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.23% | 6.92% |
| Holdings | 6,701 | 662 |
| YTD Return | -0.64%Best | -0.95% |
| 1Y Return | +1.19%Best | +0.00% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.28%Best | +6.89% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.11%Best | +2.26% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4%Best | 7.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,655Best | $11,182 |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | High Yield Bond | High Yield Bond |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2021 | Feb 25, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 18, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.9 years).
AHYB vs HYLS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.9 years both funds cover.
AHYB vs HYLS Performance
American Century Select High Yield ETF (AHYB) is an ETF from American Century Investments and First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AHYB returned +1.19% while HYLS returned +0.00%. Year to date, AHYB is down 0.64% versus a loss of 0.95% for HYLS.
Over three years, AHYB compounded at +7.28% per year against +6.89% for HYLS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.11% and +2.26% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HYLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.8% compared with 7.4% for AHYB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.8% for AHYB and -15.8% for HYLS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHYB charges 0.45% per year while HYLS charges 1.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $105 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHYB currently yields 6.23% against 6.92% for HYLS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AHYB and HYLS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AHYB or HYLS?
AHYB has an expense ratio of 0.45% while HYLS charges 1.05%. AHYB is the cheaper option, by $60 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AHYB or HYLS?
Over the past year AHYB returned +1.19% vs +0.00% for HYLS, so AHYB leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AHYB or HYLS?
HYLS has been the more volatile fund at 7.8% annualized versus 7.4% for AHYB. Worst drawdown: AHYB -14.8% vs HYLS -15.8%.
Should I hold both AHYB and HYLS?
AHYB and HYLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHYB or HYLS?
AHYB yields 6.23% while HYLS yields 6.92%, so HYLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HYLS better than AHYB?
AHYB has a lower expense ratio. AHYB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.