IHYF vs SMTH
Invesco High Yield Bond Factor ETF vs ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF
Which is better, IHYF or SMTH?
IHYF has been ahead.
IHYF has a lower expense ratio. IHYF led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | IHYF | SMTH |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39%Best | 0.59% |
| AUM | $134M | $3.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.50% | 4.48% |
| Holdings | 432 | 921 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.8%Best | 3.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -4.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $11,990Best | $11,505 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | High Yield Bond | High Yield Bond |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2020 | Dec 5, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 236 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. IHYF has data through Feb 20, 2026 and SMTH through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 6, 2023 to Feb 20, 2026 (2.2 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3.9% compared with 3.8% for IHYF. 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 -5.3% for IHYF and -4.1% for SMTH. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHYF charges 0.39% per year while SMTH charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $59 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHYF currently yields 6.50% against 4.48% for SMTH.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.0% of IHYF's money is in holdings SMTH also owns.
Stated as a floor: for SMTH, our book for it covers 30.2% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
IHYF and SMTH share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 346 days apart, IHYF as of Sep 30, 2025 and SMTH as of Sep 11, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
6 positions in common, counted across the 396 positions we hold weights for in IHYF and 147 in SMTH, against full books of 432 and 921.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IHYF | Weight in SMTH | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFC 2.95 04/23/30Vf Corporation 2.95% Apr 23, 2030 | 0.27% | 0.52% | 0.25% |
| CVS V7 03/10/55Cvs Health Corp 7% 10Mar2055 | 0.40% | 0.25% | 0.15% |
| HILCRP 7.25 02/15/35Hilcorp Energy I Lp / Hilcorp Finance Co. 7.25 02/15/2035 | 0.21% | 0.41% | 0.20% |
| CHTR 5 02/01/28 144ACco Holdings Llc 5 2/28 | 0.40% | 0.21% | 0.19% |
| CIVI 8.75 07/01/31 1Civitas Resources Inc 144A 8.75% Jul 1, 2031 | 0.49% | 0.07% | 0.42% |
| SIRI 5 08/01/27 144ASirius Xm Radio Inc Company Guar 144a 08/27 5 | 0.24% | 0.15% | 0.09% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IHYF and SMTH 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, IHYF or SMTH?
IHYF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SMTH charges 0.59%. IHYF is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, IHYF or SMTH?
SMTH has been the more volatile fund at 3.9% annualized versus 3.8% for IHYF. Worst drawdown: IHYF -5.3% vs SMTH -4.1%.
Should I hold both IHYF and SMTH?
IHYF and SMTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between IHYF and SMTH?
At least 2.0% of IHYF's money is in holdings SMTH also owns. Our book for SMTH is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 396 positions we hold weights for in IHYF and 147 in SMTH.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHYF or SMTH?
IHYF yields 6.50% while SMTH yields 4.48%, so IHYF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMTH better than IHYF?
IHYF has a lower expense ratio. IHYF led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.