HEQT vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HEQT is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Simplify, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. HEQT is actively managed, while AAAU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HEQT returned 12.98%/yr vs 29.19%/yr for AAAU. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HEQT charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

HEQT vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEQT achieves a 4.29% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's -2.40% return.

HEQT

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 4.29%
• 6M: 4.75%
• 1Y: 13.60%
• 3Y*: 12.98%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -10.17%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.14%
• 1Y: 24.10%
• 3Y*: 29.19%
• 5Y*: 17.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

HEQT vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	4.29%	10.08%	18.30%	16.61%	-8.25%	2.11%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-2.40%	64.06%	26.91%	12.96%	-0.50%	1.96%

Correlation

The correlation between HEQT and AAAU is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2021	0.13

The correlation between HEQT and AAAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.13 (all time) to 0.24 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HEQT vs. AAAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEQT	AAAU
Technology	36.2%	-
Financial Services	11.9%	-
Communication Services	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	8.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

HEQT vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 74
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 83
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 74

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 31
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

HEQT vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

	HEQT	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	0.89	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	1.26	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.19	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	0.99	+1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.16	2.86	+9.30

HEQT vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEQT Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEQT and AAAU, 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

HEQT vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEQT drawdown since its inception was -11.51%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEQT and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEQT	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.51%	-24.38%	+12.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.09%	-24.38%	+19.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.57%	-24.38%	+13.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-21.95%	+21.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.78%	-6.23%	+3.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.12%	8.44%	-7.32%

Volatility

HEQT vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) is 1.64%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 7.77%. This indicates that HEQT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AAAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEQT	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.64%	7.77%	-6.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.45%	23.88%	-18.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.52%	27.10%	-20.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.47%	18.06%	-9.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.47%	17.13%	-8.66%

HEQT vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEQT has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEQT vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

HEQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.20%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEQT and AAAU in my portfolio?

HEQT and AAAU have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEQT or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to HEQT (1.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEQT dropped -11.51% vs AAAU's -24.38%.

Which ETF is better, HEQT or AAAU?

On 3-year performance, AAAU leads with 29.19% vs 12.98% for HEQT. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, HEQT has been the lower-risk option at 1.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEQT or AAAU?

Over the 3-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 29.19% return vs 12.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEQT or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for HEQT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEQT or AAAU?

HEQT has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between HEQT and AAAU?

HEQT is categorized as Options Trading, while AAAU is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for HEQT and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 0.89), 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.