HFGM vs. IALT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HFGM (Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF) and IALT (iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HFGM is a Macro Trading fund actively managed by Unlimited, while IALT is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HFGM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for IALT.

Performance

HFGM vs. IALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF (HFGM) 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, HFGM achieves a 5.91% return, which is significantly lower than IALT's 12.03% return.

HFGM

• 1D: -3.23%
• 1M: -9.42%
• YTD: 5.91%
• 6M: 1.23%
• 1Y: 28.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IALT

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 6M: 12.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HFGM vs. IALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFGM Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF	5.91%	0.62%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	12.03%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between HFGM and IALT is 0.59, 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	0.59

Return for Risk

HFGM vs. IALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFGM

HFGM Risk / Return Rank: 38
HFGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
HFGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
HFGM Omega Ratio Rank: 35
HFGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
HFGM Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

HFGM vs. IALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF (HFGM) 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.

	HFGM	IALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.25	—	—

Drawdowns

HFGM vs. IALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFGM drawdown since its inception was -12.73%, which is greater than IALT's maximum drawdown of -2.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFGM and IALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFGM	IALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.73%	-2.27%	-10.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.73%	-1.05%	-11.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-0.39%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.50%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFGM	IALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.83%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.06%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.09%	7.80%	+15.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.83%	7.80%	+14.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.83%	7.80%	+14.03%

HFGM vs. IALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFGM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than IALT's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFGM vs. IALT - Dividend Comparison

HFGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.61%, more than IALT's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
HFGM Unlimited HFGM Global Macro ETF	10.61%	11.23%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	0.40%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFGM and IALT in my portfolio?

HFGM and IALT have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HFGM or IALT?

On fees, HFGM is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFGM or IALT?

HFGM is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for IALT.

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

HFGM has the higher dividend yield at 10.61%, compared with 0.40% for IALT.

What is the main difference between HFGM and IALT?

HFGM is categorized as Macro Trading, while IALT is Multistrategy. They also come from different issuers: Unlimited and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for HFGM and 0.99% for IALT.