HYLS vs VOO
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYLS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.81% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 327 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.91% | +12.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.37% | +20.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.15% | +21.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.74% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HYLS vs VOO Performance
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYLS returned +2.37% while VOO returned +20.14%. Year to date, HYLS is up 0.91% versus a gain of 12.76% for VOO.
Over three years, HYLS compounded at +7.15% per year against +21.69% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.74% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +0.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.1% 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 -29.1% for HYLS and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYLS charges 0.69% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYLS currently yields 6.81% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HYLS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 703 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYLS or VOO?
HYLS has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYLS or VOO?
Over the past year HYLS returned +2.37% vs +20.14% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), HYLS annualized +0.95% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYLS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.1% for HYLS. Worst drawdown: HYLS -29.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HYLS and VOO?
HYLS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYLS and VOO?
HYLS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 703 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYLS or VOO?
HYLS yields 6.81% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HYLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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