ASGM vs. DALI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ASGM (Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF) and DALI (First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF) are both Tactical Allocation funds. ASGM is actively managed, while DALI is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASGM charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for DALI.

Performance

ASGM vs. DALI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF (ASGM) and First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASGM achieves a 22.28% return, which is significantly higher than DALI's 7.49% return.

ASGM

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 6.11%
• YTD: 22.28%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DALI

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.88%
• 1Y: 21.24%
• 3Y*: 7.69%
• 5Y*: 5.36%
• 10Y*: —

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

ASGM vs. DALI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASGM Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF	22.28%	11.57%
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	7.49%	6.94%

Correlation

The correlation between ASGM and DALI is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

ASGM vs. DALI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DALI

DALI Risk / Return Rank: 36
DALI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DALI Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

ASGM vs. DALI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF (ASGM) and First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASGM	DALI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.91	0.31	+2.60

Drawdowns

ASGM vs. DALI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASGM drawdown since its inception was -6.62%, smaller than the maximum DALI drawdown of -36.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASGM and DALI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASGM	DALI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-36.06%	+29.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.54%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-1.62%	+0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.22%	-10.14%	+8.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASGM	DALI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.23%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.36%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.63%	17.30%	-1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.63%	19.65%	-4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.63%	20.91%	-5.28%

ASGM vs. DALI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASGM has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is lower than DALI's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASGM vs. DALI - Dividend Comparison

ASGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%, more than DALI's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ASGM Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF	3.70%	4.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	0.38%	0.38%	0.18%	3.42%	0.50%	0.11%	1.25%	0.45%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASGM and DALI in my portfolio?

ASGM and DALI have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASGM or DALI?

On fees, ASGM is cheaper at 0.86% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASGM or DALI?

ASGM is cheaper with a 0.86% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for DALI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASGM or DALI?

ASGM has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.38% for DALI.

What is the main difference between ASGM and DALI?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for ASGM and 0.90% for DALI.