AMAX vs. FIAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AMAX (RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF) and FIAX (Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AMAX returned 8.85%/yr vs 3.47%/yr for FIAX. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMAX charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for FIAX.

Performance

AMAX vs. FIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF (AMAX) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMAX achieves a 3.91% return, which is significantly higher than FIAX's 1.22% return.

AMAX

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 3.91%
• 6M: 2.71%
• 1Y: 11.23%
• 3Y*: 8.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FIAX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 3.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AMAX vs. FIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AMAX RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF	3.91%	11.38%	9.62%	6.70%	-1.78%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	1.22%	2.33%	4.67%	3.44%	-0.30%

Correlation

The correlation between AMAX and FIAX is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2022	0.37

AMAX vs. FIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMAX	FIAX
Technology	48.2%	35.6%
Basic Materials	16.4%	1.8%
Communication Services	7.7%	11.2%
Financial Services	6.8%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	10.1%
Healthcare	4.7%	8.5%
Industrials	4.6%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	4.9%
Energy	1.6%	3.5%
Utilities	1.1%	2.4%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

AMAX vs. FIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMAX

AMAX Risk / Return Rank: 30
AMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
AMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
AMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
AMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
AMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

FIAX

FIAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
FIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

AMAX vs. FIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF (AMAX) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). 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.

	AMAX	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.13	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.67	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.21	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	1.95	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.44	7.11	-2.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AMAX vs. FIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the FIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMAX and FIAX, 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

	AMAX	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	1.13	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.81	-0.44

Drawdowns

AMAX vs. FIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMAX drawdown since its inception was -16.28%, which is greater than FIAX's maximum drawdown of -6.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMAX and FIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMAX	FIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.28%	-6.26%	-10.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.53%	-2.40%	-5.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.27%	-6.26%	-3.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-0.32%	-2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.32%	-0.85%	-4.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	0.66%	+1.88%

Volatility

AMAX vs. FIAX - Volatility Comparison

RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF (AMAX) has a higher volatility of 2.53% compared to Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) at 1.43%. This indicates that AMAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMAX	FIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.53%	1.43%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.08%	3.40%	+4.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.97%	4.14%	+5.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.37%	4.05%	+6.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.37%	4.05%	+6.32%

AMAX vs. FIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMAX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than FIAX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMAX vs. FIAX - Dividend Comparison

AMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.05%, more than FIAX's 8.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AMAX RH Hedged Multi-Asset Income ETF	11.05%	9.18%	7.36%	6.99%	11.22%	1.00%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	8.19%	8.17%	8.11%	4.81%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMAX and FIAX in my portfolio?

AMAX and FIAX have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMAX or FIAX?

AMAX has higher volatility (2.53%) compared to FIAX (1.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMAX dropped -16.28% vs FIAX's -6.26%.

Which ETF is better, AMAX or FIAX?

On 3-year performance, AMAX leads with 8.85% vs 3.47% for FIAX. On fees, FIAX is cheaper at 1.04% per year. On volatility, FIAX has been the lower-risk option at 1.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMAX or FIAX?

Over the 3-year period, AMAX has performed better with a 8.85% return vs 3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMAX or FIAX?

FIAX is cheaper with a 1.04% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for AMAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMAX or FIAX?

AMAX has the higher dividend yield at 11.05%, compared with 8.19% for FIAX.

What is the main difference between AMAX and FIAX?

They also come from different issuers: Adaptive and Nicholas. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for AMAX and 1.04% for FIAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 1.13), 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.