DECW vs. ARLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DECW (Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF) and ARLU (Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF) are both Options Trading funds from Allianz. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DECW returned 13.96% vs 16.01% for ARLU. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.74% expense ratio.

Performance

DECW vs. ARLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) and Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DECW achieves a 4.39% return, which is significantly higher than ARLU's 4.03% return.

DECW

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 4.39%
• 6M: 4.18%
• 1Y: 13.96%
• 3Y*: 10.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARLU

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 4.03%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 16.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DECW vs. ARLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	4.39%	11.57%	4.82%
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	4.03%	11.27%	8.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DECW and ARLU is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2024	0.90

The correlation between DECW and ARLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DECW vs. ARLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DECW

DECW Risk / Return Rank: 85
DECW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DECW Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
DECW Omega Ratio Rank: 88
DECW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DECW Martin Ratio Rank: 89

ARLU

ARLU Risk / Return Rank: 41
ARLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ARLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ARLU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ARLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
ARLU Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

DECW vs. ARLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) and Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU). 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.

	DECW	ARLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	1.39	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.69	1.92	+1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.25	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	1.66	+1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.26	7.26	+11.00

DECW vs. ARLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DECW Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is higher than the ARLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DECW and ARLU, 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

DECW vs. ARLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DECW drawdown since its inception was -8.76%, smaller than the maximum ARLU drawdown of -15.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DECW and ARLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DECW	ARLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-15.38%	+6.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.86%	-9.66%	+5.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-2.76%	+2.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-2.23%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	2.21%	-1.44%

Volatility

DECW vs. ARLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is 1.55%, while Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) has a volatility of 3.95%. This indicates that DECW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DECW	ARLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.55%	3.95%	-2.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.14%	9.27%	-5.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.66%	11.61%	-5.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.10%	12.66%	-5.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.10%	12.66%	-5.56%

DECW vs. ARLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DECW and ARLU have an expense ratio of 0.74%.

Dividends

DECW vs. ARLU - Dividend Comparison

Neither DECW nor ARLU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DECW and ARLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DECW and ARLU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DECW or ARLU?

ARLU has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to DECW (1.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DECW dropped -8.76% vs ARLU's -15.38%.

Which ETF is better, DECW or ARLU?

On 1-year performance, ARLU leads with 16.01% vs 13.96% for DECW. Both ETFs have the same 0.74% expense ratio. On volatility, DECW has been the lower-risk option at 1.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DECW or ARLU?

Over the 1-year period, ARLU has performed better with a 16.01% return vs 13.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DECW or ARLU?

DECW and ARLU have the same expense ratio: 0.74% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DECW or ARLU?

DECW and ARLU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DECW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.39), 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.