BTAL vs. FWD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BTAL (AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund) and FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTAL is a Equity Market Neutral fund actively managed by AGF, while FWD is a Global Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BTAL returned -9.69%/yr vs 32.83%/yr for FWD. At a correlation of -0.76, they often move in opposite directions. BTAL charges 1.40%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FWD.

Performance

BTAL vs. FWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTAL achieves a -17.58% return, which is significantly lower than FWD's 27.74% return.

BTAL

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 3.22%
• 6M: -14.80%
• YTD: -17.58%
• 1Y: -28.86%
• 3Y*: -9.69%
• 5Y*: -4.64%
• 10Y*: -4.85%

FWD

• 1D: -3.47%
• 1M: -4.98%
• 6M: 18.54%
• YTD: 27.74%
• 1Y: 49.93%
• 3Y*: 32.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTAL vs. FWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	-17.58%	-20.17%	12.83%	-11.26%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	27.74%	32.00%	29.23%	23.48%

Correlation

The correlation between BTAL and FWD is -0.86, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	-0.76

The correlation between BTAL and FWD shifts across timeframes, from -0.86 (1 year) to -0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BTAL vs. FWD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTAL

BTAL Risk / Return Rank: 1
BTAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BTAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
BTAL Omega Ratio Rank: 1
BTAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTAL Martin Ratio Rank: 1

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 72
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

BTAL vs. FWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). 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.

	BTAL	FWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.25	1.78	-3.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.85	2.28	-4.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.30	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.84	3.85	-4.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.61	12.20	-13.80

BTAL vs. FWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTAL Sharpe Ratio is -1.25, which is lower than the FWD Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTAL and FWD, 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

BTAL vs. FWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTAL drawdown since its inception was -52.70%, which is greater than FWD's maximum drawdown of -29.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTAL and FWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTAL	FWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.70%	-29.02%	-23.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.61%	-13.03%	-21.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-47.83%	-29.02%	-18.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.83%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.63%	-10.39%	-38.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.15%	-4.09%	-18.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.00%	4.10%	+13.90%

Volatility

BTAL vs. FWD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) is 8.77%, while AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) has a volatility of 13.28%. This indicates that BTAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTAL	FWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.77%	13.28%	-4.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.19%	23.51%	-6.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.28%	28.18%	-4.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.23%	25.73%	-6.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	25.73%	-8.37%

BTAL vs. FWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTAL has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than FWD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTAL vs. FWD - Dividend Comparison

BTAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.02%, more than FWD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	3.02%	2.49%	3.49%	6.14%	1.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.88%	0.39%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.09%	0.11%	1.89%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTAL and FWD in my portfolio?

BTAL and FWD 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, BTAL or FWD?

FWD has higher volatility (13.28%) compared to BTAL (8.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTAL dropped -52.70% vs FWD's -29.02%.

Which ETF is better, BTAL or FWD?

On 3-year performance, FWD leads with 32.83% vs -9.69% for BTAL. On fees, FWD is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, BTAL has been the lower-risk option at 8.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTAL or FWD?

Over the 3-year period, FWD has performed better with a 32.83% return vs -9.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTAL or FWD?

FWD is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 1.40% for BTAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTAL or FWD?

BTAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.02%, compared with 0.09% for FWD.

What is the main difference between BTAL and FWD?

BTAL is categorized as Equity Market Neutral, while FWD is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: AGF and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 1.40% for BTAL and 0.65% for FWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FWD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs -1.25), 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.