A side-by-side comparison of VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF (ABI) and First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | ABI | HISF |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -45.83% | -3.26%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -99.74% | +0.23%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -99.73% | +0.10%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -99.74% | -3.05%✓ |
| Current Price | $0.07 | $42.41 |
| AUM | $525M✓ | $95M |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | — | 0.87% |
| Dividend Yield | 6.41%✓ | 5.31% |
| Distribution Frequency | — | — |
| Inception Date | 2025-06-25 | 2014-08-13 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 11 |
| MorningStar Rating | — | ★★ |
| Category | Multisector Bond | Multisector Bond |
| Beta | 0.00 | 0.90 |
| 52-Week High | $24.72 | $44.15 |
| 52-Week Low | $23.50 | $42.15 |
| 50-Day MA | $24.71 | $43.54 |
| 200-Day MA | $24.84 | $44.43 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | ABI | HISF |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -45.83% | -3.26%✓ |
| 1 Year | +4.40%✓ | -1.58% |
| 3 Year | — | +4.61% |
| 5 Year | — | +1.23% |
| 10 Year | — | +2.67% |
| 1Y Volatility | 1.38% | 4.07% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | — | 0.02 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | ABI | HISF |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Communication Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Energy | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Financial Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Healthcare | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Industrials | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Real Estate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Technology | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Utilities | 0.00% | 0.00% |
About ABI
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in various U.S. dollar-denominated asset-based income investments. Asset-based income investments include, but are not limited to, securitized assets, such as ABS, including private and multi-class structures, pass-through certificates, residual certificates, and other instruments secured by financial, physical, and/or intangible assets.
About HISF
Under normal market conditions, the fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing in a portfolio of U.S.-listed ETFs that is designed to follow the High Income Model developed by the advisor. The fund, through its investments in the underlying ETFs comprising the High Income Model, seeks to provide investors with a diversified income stream by holding a blend of fixed income assets that are actively managed to seek levels of high income and total return.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both ABI and HISF are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, ABI scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ABI and HISF?
ABI (VictoryShares Pioneer Asset-Based Income ETF) and HISF (First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($525M vs $95M), dividend yield (6.41% vs 5.31%), and year-to-date performance (-45.83% vs -3.26%).
Is ABI better than HISF?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy ABI and HISF on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both ABI and HISF should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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