KMLM vs. QLEIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

KMLM (KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF) and QLEIX (AQR Long-Short Equity Fund) are both funds - KMLM is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the KFA MLM Index, while QLEIX is a Long-Short fund actively managed by AQR Funds. KMLM is passively managed, while QLEIX is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, KMLM returned 4.07%/yr vs 22.99%/yr for QLEIX. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KMLM charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.30%/yr for QLEIX.

Performance

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) and AQR Long-Short Equity Fund (QLEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KMLM achieves a 5.59% return, which is significantly higher than QLEIX's -1.80% return.

KMLM

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -6.21%
• YTD: 5.59%
• 6M: 5.76%
• 1Y: 10.89%
• 3Y*: -1.13%
• 5Y*: 4.07%
• 10Y*: —

QLEIX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: -1.80%
• 6M: -2.12%
• 1Y: 13.28%
• 3Y*: 25.25%
• 5Y*: 22.99%
• 10Y*: 12.12%

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

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	5.59%	-2.98%	-1.69%	-5.66%	30.61%	7.04%	5.74%
QLEIX AQR Long-Short Equity Fund	-1.80%	34.43%	30.50%	23.95%	19.18%	31.10%	0.71%

Correlation

The correlation between KMLM and QLEIX is -0.02, 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	-0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2020	0.09

The correlation between KMLM and QLEIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.09 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

KMLM vs. QLEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

KMLM

KMLM Risk / Return Rank: 28
KMLM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
KMLM Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
KMLM Omega Ratio Rank: 27
KMLM Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
KMLM Martin Ratio Rank: 33

QLEIX

QLEIX Risk / Return Rank: 44
QLEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
QLEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QLEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
QLEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
QLEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) and AQR Long-Short Equity Fund (QLEIX). 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.

	KMLM	QLEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.88	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	2.73	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.34	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.19	2.34	-1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	7.25	-2.79

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMLM Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the QLEIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMLM and QLEIX, 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

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMLM drawdown since its inception was -27.47%, smaller than the maximum QLEIX drawdown of -38.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMLM and QLEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMLM	QLEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.47%	-38.11%	+10.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-6.01%	-3.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-7.07%	-15.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.47%	-17.07%	-10.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.11%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.67%	-2.40%	-15.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.76%	-7.70%	-5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	1.94%	+0.50%

Volatility

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Volatility Comparison

KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) and AQR Long-Short Equity Fund (QLEIX) have volatilities of 3.12% and 3.12%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KMLM	QLEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.12%	3.12%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	5.88%	+4.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	7.48%	+3.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.58%	10.04%	+4.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.69%	10.56%	+4.13%

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMLM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than QLEIX's 1.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMLM vs. QLEIX - Dividend Comparison

KMLM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, more than QLEIX's 1.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	4.76%	5.02%	0.82%	0.00%	13.22%	6.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QLEIX AQR Long-Short Equity Fund	1.78%	1.75%	7.12%	20.88%	14.15%	0.00%	1.57%	0.00%	6.03%	9.11%	3.01%	4.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KMLM and QLEIX in my portfolio?

KMLM and QLEIX have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMLM or QLEIX?

QLEIX has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to KMLM (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMLM dropped -27.47% vs QLEIX's -38.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLEIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 0.97), 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.