HFEQ vs. QAI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

HFEQ (Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF) and QAI (NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF) are both Long-Short funds. HFEQ is actively managed, while QAI is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HFEQ charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QAI.

Performance

HFEQ vs. QAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) and NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

HFEQ

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QAI

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -1.18%
• 6M: 5.17%
• YTD: 7.70%
• 1Y: 12.64%
• 3Y*: 8.88%
• 5Y*: 4.45%
• 10Y*: 3.75%

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

HFEQ vs. QAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.98%	14.35%
QAI NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	7.70%	4.62%

Correlation

The correlation between HFEQ and QAI is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	0.81

The correlation between HFEQ and QAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HFEQ vs. QAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFEQ

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

QAI

QAI Risk / Return Rank: 77
QAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
QAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
QAI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
QAI Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

HFEQ vs. QAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) and NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). 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.

	HFEQ	QAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.89	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.62	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.36	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.42	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.75	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	HFEQ	QAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-14.95%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.71%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-7.78%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-14.32%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-1.88%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-2.56%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFEQ	QAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	6.74%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	6.70%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	6.23%	—

HFEQ vs. QAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFEQ has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than QAI's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFEQ vs. QAI - Dividend Comparison

HFEQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.59%	10.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QAI NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	1.40%	1.50%	2.22%	4.08%	2.00%	0.28%	1.98%	1.91%	1.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFEQ and QAI in my portfolio?

HFEQ and QAI have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HFEQ or QAI?

On fees, QAI is cheaper at 0.79% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFEQ or QAI?

QAI is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for HFEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HFEQ or QAI?

HFEQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.59%, compared with 1.40% for QAI.

What is the main difference between HFEQ and QAI?

They also come from different issuers: Unlimited and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for HFEQ and 0.79% for QAI.