ARLU vs. HEQT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ARLU (Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF) and HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARLU is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Allianz, while HEQT is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ARLU returned 16.01% vs 13.00% for HEQT. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ARLU charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HEQT.

Performance

ARLU vs. HEQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ARLU having a 4.03% return and HEQT slightly lower at 4.02%.

ARLU

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 4.03%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 16.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEQT

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 6M: 3.76%
• 1Y: 13.00%
• 3Y*: 12.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARLU vs. HEQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	4.03%	11.27%	8.80%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	4.02%	10.08%	12.38%

Correlation

The correlation between ARLU and HEQT is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2024	0.91

The correlation between ARLU and HEQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ARLU vs. HEQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARLU

ARLU Risk / Return Rank: 41
ARLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ARLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ARLU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ARLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
ARLU Martin Ratio Rank: 47

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 63
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

ARLU vs. HEQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ARLU	HEQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.97	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.77	-0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.40	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.56	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.26	11.59	-4.32

ARLU vs. HEQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARLU Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the HEQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARLU and HEQT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ARLU vs. HEQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARLU drawdown since its inception was -15.38%, which is greater than HEQT's maximum drawdown of -11.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARLU and HEQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARLU	HEQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.38%	-11.51%	-3.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-5.09%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-1.12%	-1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-2.77%	+0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	1.12%	+1.09%

Volatility

ARLU vs. HEQT - Volatility Comparison

Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) has a higher volatility of 3.95% compared to Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) at 2.06%. This indicates that ARLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HEQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARLU	HEQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	2.06%	+1.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	5.49%	+3.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.61%	6.64%	+4.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.66%	8.47%	+4.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.66%	8.47%	+4.19%

ARLU vs. HEQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARLU has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than HEQT's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARLU vs. HEQT - Dividend Comparison

ARLU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HEQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.20%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARLU and HEQT in my portfolio?

ARLU and HEQT have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARLU or HEQT?

ARLU has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to HEQT (2.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARLU dropped -15.38% vs HEQT's -11.51%.

Which ETF is better, ARLU or HEQT?

On 1-year performance, ARLU leads with 16.01% vs 13.00% for HEQT. On fees, HEQT is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, HEQT has been the lower-risk option at 2.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARLU or HEQT?

Over the 1-year period, ARLU has performed better with a 16.01% return vs 13.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARLU or HEQT?

HEQT is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for ARLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARLU or HEQT?

HEQT has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.00% for ARLU.

What is the main difference between ARLU and HEQT?

ARLU is categorized as Options Trading, while HEQT is Equity Hedged. They also come from different issuers: Allianz and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for ARLU and 0.43% for HEQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.39), 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.