HOLD vs. IALT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

HOLD (Harbor Alpha Layering ETF) and IALT (iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF) are both Multistrategy funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HOLD charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for IALT.

Performance

HOLD vs. IALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) 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, HOLD achieves a 11.09% return, which is significantly lower than IALT's 11.84% return.

HOLD

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 11.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IALT

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 11.84%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HOLD vs. IALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HOLD Harbor Alpha Layering ETF	11.09%	-0.43%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	11.84%	0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HOLD and IALT is 0.49, 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	0.49

Return for Risk

HOLD vs. IALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) 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

	HOLD	IALT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.71	3.70	-1.99

Drawdowns

HOLD vs. IALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HOLD drawdown since its inception was -9.47%, which is greater than IALT's maximum drawdown of -1.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HOLD and IALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	HOLD	IALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-1.47%	-8.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-1.22%	-1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.95%	-0.33%	-1.62%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HOLD	IALT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.41%	7.65%	+7.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.41%	7.65%	+7.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.41%	7.65%	+7.76%

HOLD vs. IALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

HOLD has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than IALT's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

HOLD vs. IALT - Dividend Comparison

HOLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.59%, more than IALT's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
HOLD Harbor Alpha Layering ETF	6.59%	7.32%
IALT iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF	0.12%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HOLD and IALT in my portfolio?

HOLD and IALT have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HOLD or IALT?

On fees, HOLD is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HOLD or IALT?

HOLD is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for IALT.

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

HOLD has the higher dividend yield at 6.59%, compared with 0.12% for IALT.

What is the main difference between HOLD and IALT?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HOLD and 0.99% for IALT.