NVBU vs. DECU

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NVBU (AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Nov ETF) and DECU (AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from AllianzIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NVBU returned 21.83% vs 19.72% for DECU. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.74% expense ratio.

Performance

NVBU vs. DECU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Nov ETF (NVBU) and AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with NVBU having a 8.19% return and DECU slightly higher at 8.21%.

NVBU

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.30%
• 1Y: 21.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DECU

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 6M: 8.39%
• 1Y: 19.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NVBU vs. DECU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NVBU AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Nov ETF	8.19%	13.27%	-2.39%
DECU AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF	8.21%	11.52%	-2.04%

Correlation

The correlation between NVBU and DECU is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.96

The correlation between NVBU and DECU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NVBU vs. DECU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NVBU

NVBU Risk / Return Rank: 75
NVBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
NVBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
NVBU Omega Ratio Rank: 72
NVBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
NVBU Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DECU

DECU Risk / Return Rank: 67
DECU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DECU Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DECU Omega Ratio Rank: 66
DECU Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DECU 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.

NVBU vs. DECU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Nov ETF (NVBU) and AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU). 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.

	NVBU	DECU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.25	+0.17
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.39	3.11	+0.28
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.41	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.09	3.52	+0.57
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.38	13.10	+3.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NVBU vs. DECU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NVBU Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the DECU Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NVBU and DECU, 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

	NVBU	DECU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42	2.25	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	1.13	+0.24

Drawdowns

NVBU vs. DECU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NVBU drawdown since its inception was -11.97%, which is greater than DECU's maximum drawdown of -10.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NVBU and DECU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NVBU	DECU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.97%	-10.66%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.38%	-5.65%	+0.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.03%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-1.73%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.34%	1.52%	-0.18%

Volatility

NVBU vs. DECU - Volatility Comparison

AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Nov ETF (NVBU) has a higher volatility of 2.44% compared to AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) at 2.28%. This indicates that NVBU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DECU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NVBU	DECU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.44%	2.28%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.13%	6.12%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.06%	8.80%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.05%	10.58%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.05%	10.58%	+0.47%

NVBU vs. DECU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NVBU and DECU have an expense ratio of 0.74%.

Dividends

NVBU vs. DECU - Dividend Comparison

Neither NVBU nor DECU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NVBU and DECU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, NVBU and DECU 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, NVBU or DECU?

NVBU has higher volatility (2.44%) compared to DECU (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NVBU dropped -11.97% vs DECU's -10.66%.

Which ETF is better, NVBU or DECU?

On 1-year performance, NVBU leads with 21.83% vs 19.72% for DECU. Both ETFs have the same 0.74% expense ratio. On volatility, DECU has been the lower-risk option at 2.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NVBU or DECU?

Over the 1-year period, NVBU has performed better with a 21.83% return vs 19.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NVBU or DECU?

NVBU and DECU have the same expense ratio: 0.74% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NVBU or DECU?

NVBU and DECU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NVBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.25), 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.