HECA vs. IALT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HECA (Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF) and IALT (iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HECA is a Global Allocation fund actively managed by Hedgeye, while IALT is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HECA charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for IALT.

Performance

HECA vs. IALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF (HECA) 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, HECA achieves a 0.22% return, which is significantly lower than IALT's 13.14% return.

HECA

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 0.22%
• 6M: -0.08%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IALT

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.25%
• YTD: 13.14%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HECA vs. IALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HECA Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF	0.22%	-0.93%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	13.14%	0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HECA and IALT is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.29

Return for Risk

HECA vs. IALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF (HECA) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HECA	IALT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	4.28	-3.13

Drawdowns

HECA vs. IALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HECA drawdown since its inception was -11.81%, which is greater than IALT's maximum drawdown of -1.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HECA and IALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	HECA	IALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.81%	-1.47%	-10.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.09%	-0.07%	-10.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.15%	-0.32%	-2.83%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HECA	IALT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.44%	7.48%	+4.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.44%	7.48%	+4.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.44%	7.48%	+4.96%

HECA vs. IALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

HECA has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than IALT's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

HECA vs. IALT - Dividend Comparison

HECA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, more than IALT's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
HECA Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF	2.01%	2.02%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	0.12%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HECA and IALT in my portfolio?

HECA and IALT have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HECA 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, HECA or IALT?

IALT is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.02% for HECA.

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

HECA has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 0.12% for IALT.

What is the main difference between HECA and IALT?

HECA is categorized as Global Allocation, while IALT is Multistrategy. They also come from different issuers: Hedgeye and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.02% for HECA and 0.99% for IALT.