ALTY vs. FARX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ALTY (Global X Alternative Income ETF) and FARX (Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ALTY is a Global Allocation fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index, while FARX is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by Frontier. ALTY is passively managed, while FARX is actively managed. Over the past year, ALTY returned 15.73% vs 20.01% for FARX. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ALTY charges 0.50%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for FARX.

Performance

ALTY vs. FARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) and Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALTY achieves a 6.19% return, which is significantly lower than FARX's 9.60% return.

ALTY

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 6.19%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 15.73%
• 3Y*: 11.40%
• 5Y*: 5.55%
• 10Y*: 6.16%

FARX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 9.60%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 20.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ALTY vs. FARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	6.19%	11.07%	0.26%
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	9.60%	10.61%	0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between ALTY and FARX is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.43

Return for Risk

ALTY vs. FARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALTY

ALTY Risk / Return Rank: 82
ALTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
ALTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ALTY Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ALTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ALTY Martin Ratio Rank: 82

FARX

FARX Risk / Return Rank: 90
FARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FARX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FARX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

ALTY vs. FARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) and Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX). 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.

	ALTY	FARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.89	-0.15
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	3.94	-0.11
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.58	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	7.19	-3.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.84	24.70	-7.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ALTY vs. FARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALTY Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the FARX Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALTY and FARX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ALTY	FARX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.89	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	2.12	-1.78

Drawdowns

ALTY vs. FARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALTY drawdown since its inception was -51.47%, which is greater than FARX's maximum drawdown of -5.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALTY and FARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALTY	FARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.47%	-5.83%	-45.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.34%	-2.80%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.48%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-0.30%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.75%	-1.02%	-5.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	0.81%	+0.13%

Volatility

ALTY vs. FARX - Volatility Comparison

Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) and Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) have volatilities of 1.41% and 1.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALTY	FARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.41%	1.42%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.38%	5.49%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.79%	6.96%	-1.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.61%	6.94%	+3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	6.94%	+9.64%

ALTY vs. FARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALTY has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FARX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALTY vs. FARX - Dividend Comparison

ALTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.08%, more than FARX's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	8.08%	7.50%	7.88%	7.31%	7.66%	6.88%	9.20%	8.74%	8.49%	7.52%	8.20%	4.21%
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	2.89%	3.25%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALTY and FARX in my portfolio?

ALTY and FARX have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALTY or FARX?

FARX has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to ALTY (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALTY dropped -51.47% vs FARX's -5.83%.

Which ETF is better, ALTY or FARX?

On 1-year performance, FARX leads with 20.01% vs 15.73% for ALTY. On fees, ALTY is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ALTY or FARX?

Over the 1-year period, FARX has performed better with a 20.01% return vs 15.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ALTY or FARX?

ALTY is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for FARX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ALTY or FARX?

ALTY has the higher dividend yield at 8.08%, compared with 2.89% for FARX.

What is the main difference between ALTY and FARX?

ALTY is categorized as Global Allocation, while FARX is Multistrategy. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Frontier. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ALTY and 1.00% for FARX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FARX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 2.73), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.