LRND vs. SAMT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LRND (IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF) and SAMT (Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. LRND is passively managed, while SAMT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, LRND returned 20.47%/yr vs 26.92%/yr for SAMT. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LRND charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for SAMT.

Performance

LRND vs. SAMT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF (LRND) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LRND achieves a 5.96% return, which is significantly lower than SAMT's 17.16% return.

LRND

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: -3.62%
• YTD: 5.96%
• 6M: 5.12%
• 1Y: 24.68%
• 3Y*: 20.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SAMT

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -1.40%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 6M: 15.02%
• 1Y: 34.58%
• 3Y*: 26.92%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

LRND vs. SAMT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
LRND IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF	5.96%	20.31%	21.68%	44.13%	-19.33%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	17.16%	33.10%	28.15%	1.27%	-8.96%

Correlation

The correlation between LRND and SAMT is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2022	0.69

The correlation between LRND and SAMT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

LRND vs. SAMT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LRND	SAMT
Technology	60.4%	25.0%
Communication Services	14.7%	5.7%
Healthcare	9.8%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	5.8%
Industrials	5.1%	23.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	12.1%
Basic Materials	0.8%	2.7%
Financial Services	0.0%	5.4%
Energy	-	2.8%
Real Estate	-	2.8%
Utilities	-	6.9%

Return for Risk

LRND vs. SAMT — Risk / Return Rank

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

LRND

LRND Risk / Return Rank: 44
LRND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
LRND Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
LRND Omega Ratio Rank: 45
LRND Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
LRND Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SAMT

SAMT Risk / Return Rank: 66
SAMT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SAMT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SAMT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SAMT Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SAMT Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

LRND vs. SAMT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF (LRND) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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.

	LRND	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.97	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.63	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	4.26	-2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.84	11.48	-4.64

LRND vs. SAMT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LRND Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the SAMT Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LRND and SAMT, 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

LRND vs. SAMT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LRND drawdown since its inception was -25.43%, which is greater than SAMT's maximum drawdown of -20.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LRND and SAMT.

Drawdown Indicators

	LRND	SAMT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.43%	-20.57%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.83%	-8.15%	-5.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.06%	-18.27%	-2.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.47%	-3.24%	-3.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.22%	-7.66%	+1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	3.02%	+0.60%

Volatility

LRND vs. SAMT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF (LRND) is 6.33%, while Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) has a volatility of 7.25%. This indicates that LRND experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAMT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LRND	SAMT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.33%	7.25%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	13.74%	-0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.11%	17.66%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.06%	17.10%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.06%	17.10%	+2.96%

LRND vs. SAMT - Expense Ratio Comparison

LRND has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than SAMT's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

LRND vs. SAMT - Dividend Comparison

LRND's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, less than SAMT's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
LRND IQ U.S. Large Cap R&D Leaders ETF	0.51%	0.67%	0.97%	1.22%	1.32%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	0.60%	0.70%	1.40%	1.49%	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LRND and SAMT in my portfolio?

LRND and SAMT have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LRND or SAMT?

SAMT has higher volatility (7.25%) compared to LRND (6.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LRND dropped -25.43% vs SAMT's -20.57%.

Which ETF is better, LRND or SAMT?

On 3-year performance, SAMT leads with 26.92% vs 20.47% for LRND. On fees, LRND is cheaper at 0.14% per year. On volatility, LRND has been the lower-risk option at 6.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LRND or SAMT?

Over the 3-year period, SAMT has performed better with a 26.92% return vs 20.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LRND or SAMT?

LRND is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LRND or SAMT?

SAMT has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.51% for LRND.

What is the main difference between LRND and SAMT?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Strategas. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for LRND and 0.66% for SAMT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAMT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.54), 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.