BFLX vs. EQLS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BFLX (iShares Flexible Equity Active ETF) and EQLS (Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. BFLX charges 0.40%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for EQLS.

Performance

BFLX vs. EQLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Flexible Equity Active ETF (BFLX) and Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BFLX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -1.16%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EQLS

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BFLX vs. EQLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BFLX iShares Flexible Equity Active ETF	0.50%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%

Return for Risk

BFLX vs. EQLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Flexible Equity Active ETF (BFLX) and Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS). 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.

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

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	BFLX	EQLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.37%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BFLX	EQLS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.09%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.09%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.09%	—	—

BFLX vs. EQLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFLX has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than EQLS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFLX vs. EQLS - Dividend Comparison

Neither BFLX nor EQLS has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BFLX iShares Flexible Equity Active ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	0.45%	0.95%	8.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, BFLX or EQLS?

On fees, BFLX is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFLX or EQLS?

BFLX is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for EQLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BFLX or EQLS?

BFLX and EQLS have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BFLX and EQLS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BFLX and 1.00% for EQLS.