HIDE vs. PBL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HIDE (Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF) and PBL (PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HIDE returned 4.42%/yr vs 15.09%/yr for PBL. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HIDE charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for PBL.

Performance

HIDE vs. PBL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) and PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HIDE achieves a 6.79% return, which is significantly lower than PBL's 7.85% return.

HIDE

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 6.79%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 10.85%
• 3Y*: 4.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBL

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 4.07%
• YTD: 7.85%
• 6M: 8.56%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HIDE vs. PBL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HIDE Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF	6.79%	5.32%	-0.85%	2.46%	-0.18%
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	7.85%	12.35%	16.70%	14.28%	-3.52%

Correlation

The correlation between HIDE and PBL is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2022	0.27

The correlation between HIDE and PBL shifts across timeframes, from 0.07 (1 year) to 0.29 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HIDE vs. PBL — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIDE

HIDE Risk / Return Rank: 81
HIDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
HIDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
HIDE Omega Ratio Rank: 82
HIDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
HIDE Martin Ratio Rank: 88

PBL

PBL Risk / Return Rank: 68
PBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
PBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PBL Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PBL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

HIDE vs. PBL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) and PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL). 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.

	HIDE	PBL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	2.21	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	3.10	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.39	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.72	3.37	+1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.36	13.56	+5.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HIDE vs. PBL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIDE Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is comparable to the PBL Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIDE and PBL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HIDE	PBL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46	2.21	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	1.40	-0.50

Drawdowns

HIDE vs. PBL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIDE drawdown since its inception was -5.15%, smaller than the maximum PBL drawdown of -11.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIDE and PBL.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIDE	PBL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.15%	-11.69%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.31%	-5.82%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.15%	-11.69%	+6.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-0.21%	-1.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.94%	-1.65%	+0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.56%	1.44%	-0.88%

Volatility

HIDE vs. PBL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF (HIDE) is 1.45%, while PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) has a volatility of 2.51%. This indicates that HIDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HIDE	PBL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.45%	2.51%	-1.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.92%	6.56%	-2.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.43%	8.87%	-4.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.25%	9.83%	-5.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.25%	9.83%	-5.58%

HIDE vs. PBL - Expense Ratio Comparison

HIDE has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than PBL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

HIDE vs. PBL - Dividend Comparison

HIDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than PBL's 2.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
HIDE Alpha Architect High Inflation And Deflation ETF	2.96%	3.16%	2.86%	3.90%	6.25%
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	2.05%	2.21%	6.89%	7.92%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIDE and PBL in my portfolio?

HIDE and PBL have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIDE or PBL?

PBL has higher volatility (2.51%) compared to HIDE (1.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIDE dropped -5.15% vs PBL's -11.69%.

Which ETF is better, HIDE or PBL?

On 3-year performance, PBL leads with 15.09% vs 4.42% for HIDE. On fees, HIDE is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, HIDE has been the lower-risk option at 1.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HIDE or PBL?

Over the 3-year period, PBL has performed better with a 15.09% return vs 4.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HIDE or PBL?

HIDE is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for PBL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HIDE or PBL?

HIDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 2.05% for PBL.

What is the main difference between HIDE and PBL?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for HIDE and 0.45% for PBL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 2.21), 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.