FARX vs. IALT

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

FARX (Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF) and IALT (iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF) are both Multistrategy funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FARX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for IALT.

Performance

FARX vs. IALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) and iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF (IALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FARX achieves a 8.21% return, which is significantly lower than IALT's 12.70% return.

FARX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.20%
• 6M: 6.14%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 1Y: 16.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IALT

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.17%
• 6M: 10.58%
• YTD: 12.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FARX vs. IALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	8.21%	1.07%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	12.70%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between FARX and IALT is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.53

Return for Risk

FARX vs. IALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FARX

FARX Risk / Return Rank: 88
FARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FARX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FARX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

IALT

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.

FARX vs. IALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) and iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF (IALT). 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.

	FARX	IALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.47	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.81	—	—

Drawdowns

FARX vs. IALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FARX drawdown since its inception was -5.83%, which is greater than IALT's maximum drawdown of -2.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FARX and IALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FARX	IALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.83%	-2.27%	-3.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-0.46%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-0.48%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FARX	IALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.16%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.70%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.40%	7.82%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.05%	7.82%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.05%	7.82%	-0.77%

FARX vs. IALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FARX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than IALT's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

FARX vs. IALT - Dividend Comparison

FARX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than IALT's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	2.88%	3.25%	0.19%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	0.40%	0.14%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FARX and IALT in my portfolio?

FARX and IALT have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FARX or IALT?

On fees, IALT is cheaper at 0.99% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FARX or IALT?

IALT is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for FARX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FARX or IALT?

FARX has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 0.40% for IALT.

What is the main difference between FARX and IALT?

They also come from different issuers: Frontier and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for FARX and 0.99% for IALT.