AHLT vs. SDMF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AHLT (American Beacon AHL Trend ETF) and SDMF (Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds. AHLT is actively managed, while SDMF is passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AHLT charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SDMF.

Performance

AHLT vs. SDMF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) and Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF (SDMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AHLT

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 12.65%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 37.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SDMF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.56%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AHLT vs. SDMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	4.00%
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between AHLT and SDMF is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2026	0.71

Return for Risk

AHLT vs. SDMF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AHLT

AHLT Risk / Return Rank: 68
AHLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AHLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
AHLT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AHLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
AHLT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AHLT vs. SDMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) and Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF (SDMF). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	AHLT	SDMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.77	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.90	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AHLT	SDMF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.18	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.91	-0.43

Drawdowns

AHLT vs. SDMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AHLT drawdown since its inception was -20.18%, which is greater than SDMF's maximum drawdown of -6.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AHLT and SDMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	AHLT	SDMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.18%	-6.23%	-13.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	0.00%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-2.29%	-7.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AHLT	SDMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.60%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.12%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.16%	13.36%	+3.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.38%	13.36%	+4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.38%	13.36%	+4.02%

AHLT vs. SDMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

AHLT has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SDMF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AHLT vs. SDMF - Dividend Comparison

AHLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, while SDMF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	1.51%	1.70%	0.00%	3.72%
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AHLT and SDMF in my portfolio?

AHLT and SDMF have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AHLT or SDMF?

On fees, SDMF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AHLT or SDMF?

SDMF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for AHLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AHLT or SDMF?

AHLT has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.00% for SDMF.

What is the main difference between AHLT and SDMF?

They also come from different issuers: American Beacon and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for AHLT and 0.35% for SDMF.