BGDV vs. EQLS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BGDV (Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF) and EQLS (Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BGDV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Bahl & Gaynor, while EQLS is a Long-Short fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BGDV charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for EQLS.

Performance

BGDV vs. EQLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

BGDV

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 12.25%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 25.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EQLS

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

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

BGDV vs. EQLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BGDV Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF	12.25%	13.74%	-2.05%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	6.82%	-0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between BGDV and EQLS is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.07

Return for Risk

BGDV vs. EQLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BGDV

BGDV Risk / Return Rank: 75
BGDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
BGDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
BGDV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
BGDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
BGDV Martin Ratio Rank: 78

EQLS

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

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.

BGDV vs. EQLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) 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.

	BGDV	EQLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.77	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	BGDV	EQLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BGDV	EQLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.68%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.08%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.08%	—	—

BGDV vs. EQLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BGDV has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than EQLS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BGDV vs. EQLS - Dividend Comparison

BGDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, while EQLS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BGDV Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF	0.99%	1.13%	0.09%	0.00%
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	0.45%	0.95%	8.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BGDV and EQLS in my portfolio?

BGDV and EQLS have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BGDV or EQLS?

On fees, BGDV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BGDV or EQLS?

BGDV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for EQLS.

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

BGDV has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.00% for EQLS.

What is the main difference between BGDV and EQLS?

BGDV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while EQLS is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BGDV and 1.00% for EQLS.