NDAA vs. AOA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NDAA (Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF) and AOA (iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. NDAA is actively managed, while AOA is passively managed. Over the past year, NDAA returned 20.40% vs 20.66% for AOA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NDAA charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AOA.

Performance

NDAA vs. AOA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF (NDAA) and iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NDAA achieves a 8.00% return, which is significantly lower than AOA's 8.51% return.

NDAA

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -2.45%
• YTD: 8.00%
• 6M: 7.27%
• 1Y: 20.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AOA

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -0.91%
• YTD: 8.51%
• 6M: 7.69%
• 1Y: 20.66%
• 3Y*: 16.81%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 10.92%

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

NDAA vs. AOA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NDAA Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF	8.00%	14.00%	-1.48%
AOA iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF	8.51%	19.59%	-1.65%

Correlation

The correlation between NDAA and AOA is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.96

The correlation between NDAA and AOA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NDAA vs. AOA — Risk / Return Rank

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

NDAA

NDAA Risk / Return Rank: 62
NDAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
NDAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
NDAA Omega Ratio Rank: 61
NDAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
NDAA Martin Ratio Rank: 68

AOA

AOA Risk / Return Rank: 65
AOA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AOA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AOA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
AOA Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
AOA Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

NDAA vs. AOA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF (NDAA) and iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA). 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.

	NDAA	AOA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.86	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.58	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.35	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	2.53	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.89	10.94	-0.05

NDAA vs. AOA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NDAA Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the AOA Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NDAA and AOA, 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

NDAA vs. AOA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NDAA drawdown since its inception was -13.50%, smaller than the maximum AOA drawdown of -28.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NDAA and AOA.

Drawdown Indicators

	NDAA	AOA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.50%	-28.38%	+14.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.62%	-8.20%	+0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.62%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.26%	-1.78%	-1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-4.04%	+2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	1.89%	-0.01%

Volatility

NDAA vs. AOA - Volatility Comparison

Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF (NDAA) and iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) have volatilities of 4.47% and 4.31%, 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

	NDAA	AOA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	4.31%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.19%	9.32%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.31%	11.18%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.19%	13.08%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.19%	13.51%	-1.32%

NDAA vs. AOA - Expense Ratio Comparison

NDAA has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than AOA's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

NDAA vs. AOA - Dividend Comparison

NDAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than AOA's 2.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOA iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF	2.07%	2.18%	2.30%	2.22%	2.10%	1.67%	1.71%	2.50%	2.37%	5.09%	2.26%	2.15%
NDAA Ned Davis Research 360 Dynamic Allocation ETF	2.51%	2.71%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NDAA and AOA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, NDAA and AOA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NDAA or AOA?

NDAA has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to AOA (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NDAA dropped -13.50% vs AOA's -28.38%.

Which ETF is better, NDAA or AOA?

On 1-year performance, AOA leads with 20.66% vs 20.40% for NDAA. On fees, AOA is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AOA has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NDAA or AOA?

Over the 1-year period, AOA has performed better with a 20.66% return vs 20.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NDAA or AOA?

AOA is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for NDAA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NDAA or AOA?

NDAA has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 2.07% for AOA.

What is the main difference between NDAA and AOA?

They also come from different issuers: Ned Davis Research and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for NDAA and 0.15% for AOA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AOA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.81), 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.