ASMF vs. AHLT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ASMF (Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF) and AHLT (American Beacon AHL Trend ETF) are both Systematic Trend funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ASMF returned 18.20% vs 37.50% for AHLT. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASMF charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for AHLT.

Performance

ASMF vs. AHLT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASMF achieves a 8.93% return, which is significantly lower than AHLT's 11.56% return.

ASMF

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -0.27%
• YTD: 8.93%
• 6M: 9.19%
• 1Y: 18.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AHLT

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: -0.30%
• YTD: 11.56%
• 6M: 11.19%
• 1Y: 37.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASMF vs. AHLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ASMF Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF	8.93%	1.16%	-3.65%
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	11.56%	13.73%	-7.36%

Correlation

The correlation between ASMF and AHLT is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2024	0.85

The correlation between ASMF and AHLT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ASMF vs. AHLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASMF

ASMF Risk / Return Rank: 54
ASMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
ASMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
ASMF Omega Ratio Rank: 47
ASMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
ASMF Martin Ratio Rank: 55

AHLT

AHLT Risk / Return Rank: 70
AHLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AHLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AHLT Omega Ratio Rank: 68
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.

ASMF vs. AHLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF (ASMF) and American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT). 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.

	ASMF	AHLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.16	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	2.72	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	4.56	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.20	12.05	-2.86

ASMF vs. AHLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASMF Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the AHLT Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASMF and AHLT, 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

ASMF vs. AHLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASMF drawdown since its inception was -15.31%, smaller than the maximum AHLT drawdown of -20.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASMF and AHLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASMF	AHLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.31%	-20.18%	+4.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.02%	-8.26%	+3.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.75%	-1.56%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.48%	-9.27%	+1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	3.12%	-1.14%

Volatility

ASMF vs. AHLT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF (ASMF) is 3.06%, while American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) has a volatility of 4.22%. This indicates that ASMF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AHLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASMF	AHLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	4.22%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.60%	12.53%	-2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.43%	17.46%	-6.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.99%	17.36%	-6.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.99%	17.36%	-6.37%

ASMF vs. AHLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASMF has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than AHLT's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASMF vs. AHLT - Dividend Comparison

ASMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%, less than AHLT's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AHLT American Beacon AHL Trend ETF	1.52%	1.70%	0.00%	3.72%
ASMF Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF	0.20%	0.22%	1.66%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASMF and AHLT in my portfolio?

ASMF and AHLT have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASMF or AHLT?

AHLT has higher volatility (4.22%) compared to ASMF (3.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASMF dropped -15.31% vs AHLT's -20.18%.

Which ETF is better, ASMF or AHLT?

On 1-year performance, AHLT leads with 37.50% vs 18.20% for ASMF. On fees, ASMF is cheaper at 0.80% per year. On volatility, ASMF has been the lower-risk option at 3.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASMF or AHLT?

Over the 1-year period, AHLT has performed better with a 37.50% return vs 18.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASMF or AHLT?

ASMF is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for AHLT.

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

AHLT has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.20% for ASMF.

What is the main difference between ASMF and AHLT?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and American Beacon. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for ASMF and 0.95% for AHLT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AHLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.60), 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.