KONG vs. TAIL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KONG (Formidable Fortress ETF) and TAIL (Cambria Tail Risk ETF) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, KONG returned 9.34%/yr vs -5.76%/yr for TAIL. At a correlation of -0.53, they often move in opposite directions. KONG charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for TAIL.

Performance

KONG vs. TAIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Formidable Fortress ETF (KONG) and Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KONG achieves a 2.62% return, which is significantly higher than TAIL's -6.17% return.

KONG

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 2.62%
• 6M: 3.53%
• 1Y: 7.33%
• 3Y*: 9.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAIL

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: -6.17%
• 6M: -7.55%
• 1Y: -8.73%
• 3Y*: -5.76%
• 5Y*: -8.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

KONG vs. TAIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
KONG Formidable Fortress ETF	2.62%	6.56%	9.67%	12.71%	-9.63%	5.07%
TAIL Cambria Tail Risk ETF	-6.17%	5.48%	-9.62%	-13.29%	-13.13%	-5.60%

Correlation

The correlation between KONG and TAIL is -0.43, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2021	-0.53

The correlation between KONG and TAIL shifts across timeframes, from -0.53 (all time) to -0.38 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KONG vs. TAIL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KONG	TAIL
Technology	33.1%	35.6%
Industrials	15.7%	8.3%
Healthcare	13.3%	8.5%
Financial Services	9.3%	11.8%
Communication Services	7.7%	11.2%
Real Estate	6.1%	1.9%
Energy	5.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.6%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	10.1%
Utilities	-	2.4%

Return for Risk

KONG vs. TAIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

KONG

KONG Risk / Return Rank: 21
KONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
KONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
KONG Omega Ratio Rank: 19
KONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KONG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

TAIL

TAIL Risk / Return Rank: 1
TAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
TAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
TAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
TAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
TAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

KONG vs. TAIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Formidable Fortress ETF (KONG) and Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL). 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.

	KONG	TAIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.68	-1.03	+1.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.02	-1.46	+2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	0.83	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	-0.80	+1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.46	-2.01	+5.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KONG vs. TAIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KONG Sharpe Ratio is 0.68, which is higher than the TAIL Sharpe Ratio of -1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KONG and TAIL, 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

	KONG	TAIL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68	-1.03	+1.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	-0.48	+0.85

Drawdowns

KONG vs. TAIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KONG drawdown since its inception was -19.98%, smaller than the maximum TAIL drawdown of -52.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KONG and TAIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	KONG	TAIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.98%	-52.36%	+32.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.54%	-10.95%	+2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.48%	-20.65%	+5.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-51.56%	+50.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-29.12%	+23.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.12%	4.35%	-2.23%

Volatility

KONG vs. TAIL - Volatility Comparison

Formidable Fortress ETF (KONG) has a higher volatility of 2.26% compared to Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) at 0.86%. This indicates that KONG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TAIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KONG	TAIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.26%	0.86%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.52%	6.45%	+2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.84%	8.51%	+2.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.59%	14.90%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.59%	14.94%	-0.35%

KONG vs. TAIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

KONG has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than TAIL's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

KONG vs. TAIL - Dividend Comparison

KONG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than TAIL's 3.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KONG Formidable Fortress ETF	0.36%	0.37%	0.78%	0.69%	0.49%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TAIL Cambria Tail Risk ETF	3.49%	2.88%	3.48%	3.74%	1.50%	0.49%	0.36%	1.58%	1.52%	0.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KONG and TAIL in my portfolio?

KONG and TAIL have a correlation of -0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KONG or TAIL?

KONG has higher volatility (2.26%) compared to TAIL (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KONG dropped -19.98% vs TAIL's -52.36%.

Which ETF is better, KONG or TAIL?

On 3-year performance, KONG leads with 9.34% vs -5.76% for TAIL. On fees, TAIL is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, TAIL has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KONG or TAIL?

Over the 3-year period, KONG has performed better with a 9.34% return vs -5.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KONG or TAIL?

TAIL is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for KONG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KONG or TAIL?

TAIL has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 0.36% for KONG.

What is the main difference between KONG and TAIL?

They also come from different issuers: Formidable Asset Management and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for KONG and 0.59% for TAIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KONG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.68 vs -1.03), 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.