QIS vs. ARB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QIS (Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF) and ARB (AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QIS is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by Simplify, while ARB is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the Water Island Merger Arbitrage USD Hedged Index. QIS is actively managed, while ARB is passively managed. Over the past year, QIS returned -43.22% vs 4.90% for ARB. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QIS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for ARB.

Performance

QIS vs. ARB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF (QIS) and AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QIS achieves a -16.19% return, which is significantly lower than ARB's 1.70% return.

QIS

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: -10.18%
• YTD: -16.19%
• 6M: -22.01%
• 1Y: -43.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 1.70%
• 6M: 2.28%
• 1Y: 4.90%
• 3Y*: 6.40%
• 5Y*: 3.87%
• 10Y*: —

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

QIS vs. ARB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
QIS Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF	-16.19%	-38.02%	0.19%	1.96%
ARB AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.70%	6.05%	4.07%	4.53%

Correlation

The correlation between QIS and ARB is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 12, 2023	0.07

QIS vs. ARB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QIS	ARB
Technology	24.7%	16.3%
Industrials	15.8%	11.9%
Healthcare	13.9%	17.4%
Financial Services	10.0%	21.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	5.6%
Energy	6.8%	0.6%
Communication Services	4.3%	9.9%
Real Estate	4.1%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	6.2%
Basic Materials	3.9%	5.3%
Utilities	2.9%	3.1%

Return for Risk

QIS vs. ARB — Risk / Return Rank

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

QIS

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

ARB

ARB Risk / Return Rank: 69
ARB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
ARB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ARB Omega Ratio Rank: 56
ARB Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
ARB Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

QIS vs. ARB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF (QIS) and AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB). 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.

	QIS	ARB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.13	1.70	-2.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.68	2.77	-4.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	1.35	-0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.85	7.17	-8.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.45	20.90	-22.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QIS vs. ARB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QIS Sharpe Ratio is -1.13, which is lower than the ARB Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QIS and ARB, 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

	QIS	ARB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.13	1.70	-2.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.67	0.95	-1.63

Drawdowns

QIS vs. ARB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QIS drawdown since its inception was -55.49%, which is greater than ARB's maximum drawdown of -5.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QIS and ARB.

Drawdown Indicators

	QIS	ARB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.49%	-5.60%	-49.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-50.92%	-0.69%	-50.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-2.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.86%	-0.49%	-50.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-0.94%	-12.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.89%	0.24%	+29.65%

Volatility

QIS vs. ARB - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF (QIS) has a higher volatility of 15.94% compared to AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB) at 1.28%. This indicates that QIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QIS	ARB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.94%	1.28%	+14.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.68%	2.38%	+28.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.29%	2.89%	+35.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.26%	4.40%	+24.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.26%	4.40%	+24.86%

QIS vs. ARB - Expense Ratio Comparison

QIS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than ARB's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

QIS vs. ARB - Dividend Comparison

QIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than ARB's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ARB AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF	0.43%	0.43%	1.12%	0.00%	4.18%	0.00%	2.87%
QIS Simplify Multi-Qis Alternative ETF	1.61%	3.37%	1.07%	3.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QIS and ARB in my portfolio?

QIS and ARB have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QIS or ARB?

QIS has higher volatility (15.94%) compared to ARB (1.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QIS dropped -55.49% vs ARB's -5.60%.

Which ETF is better, QIS or ARB?

On 1-year performance, ARB leads with 4.90% vs -43.22% for QIS. On fees, ARB is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, ARB has been the lower-risk option at 1.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QIS or ARB?

Over the 1-year period, ARB has performed better with a 4.90% return vs -43.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QIS or ARB?

ARB is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for QIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QIS or ARB?

QIS has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.43% for ARB.

What is the main difference between QIS and ARB?

QIS is categorized as Multistrategy, while ARB is Hedge Fund. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Water Island Capital Partners LP. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for QIS and 0.87% for ARB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs -1.13), 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.