HYLS vs THYF
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF vs T. Rowe Price US High Yield ETF
Which is better, HYLS or THYF?
THYF has been ahead.
THYF has a lower expense ratio. THYF led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | HYLS | THYF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.50%Best |
| AUM | $1.6B | $825M |
| Dividend Yield | 6.92% | 7.00% |
| Holdings | 662 | 105 |
| YTD Return | -0.95% | +0.08%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.00% | +2.12%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +7.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.26% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4%Best | 5.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.4% | -5.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 4 years | $12,860 | $13,177Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | T.Rowe Price |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | High Yield Bond | High Yield Bond |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2013 | Oct 25, 2022 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 26, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4 years).
HYLS vs THYF 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 years both funds cover.
HYLS vs THYF Performance
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and T. Rowe Price US High Yield ETF (THYF) is an ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year HYLS returned +0.00% while THYF returned +2.12%. Year to date, HYLS is down 0.95% versus a gain of 0.08% for THYF.
Over three years, HYLS compounded at +6.89% per year against +7.87% for THYF. Across the full 4-year window we track, THYF has the edge at +7.14% annualized vs +6.49%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THYF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.7% compared with 5.4% for HYLS. 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 -5.4% for HYLS and -5.2% for THYF. 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
HYLS charges 1.05% per year while THYF charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $50 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYLS currently yields 6.92% against 7.00% for THYF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HYLS and THYF 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, HYLS or THYF?
HYLS has an expense ratio of 1.05% while THYF charges 0.50%. THYF is the cheaper option, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HYLS or THYF?
Over the past year HYLS returned +0.00% vs +2.12% for THYF, so THYF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HYLS annualized +6.49% vs +7.14% for THYF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HYLS or THYF?
THYF has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 5.4% for HYLS. Worst drawdown: HYLS -5.4% vs THYF -5.2%.
Should I hold both HYLS and THYF?
HYLS and THYF 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, HYLS or THYF?
HYLS yields 6.92% while THYF yields 7.00%, so THYF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is THYF better than HYLS?
THYF has a lower expense ratio. THYF led over 1Y, 3Y 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.