SEPT vs. ARLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEPT (AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF) and ARLU (Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SEPT is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Allianz, while ARLU is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Allianz. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SEPT returned 18.09% vs 16.01% for ARLU. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.74% expense ratio.

Performance

SEPT vs. ARLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF (SEPT) and Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEPT achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly higher than ARLU's 4.03% return.

SEPT

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 5.36%
• 1Y: 18.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARLU

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 4.03%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 16.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEPT vs. ARLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEPT AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF	5.86%	14.95%	8.90%
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	4.03%	11.27%	8.80%

Correlation

The correlation between SEPT and ARLU 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 Apr 1, 2024	0.95

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

Return for Risk

SEPT vs. ARLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEPT

SEPT Risk / Return Rank: 83
SEPT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
SEPT Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
SEPT Omega Ratio Rank: 87
SEPT Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SEPT Martin Ratio Rank: 87

ARLU

ARLU Risk / Return Rank: 41
ARLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ARLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ARLU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ARLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
ARLU Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

SEPT vs. ARLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF (SEPT) and Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU). 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.

	SEPT	ARLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	1.39	+1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	1.92	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.25	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	1.66	+1.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.00	7.26	+9.74

SEPT vs. ARLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEPT Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the ARLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEPT and ARLU, 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

SEPT vs. ARLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEPT drawdown since its inception was -12.83%, smaller than the maximum ARLU drawdown of -15.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEPT and ARLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEPT	ARLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.83%	-15.38%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.39%	-9.66%	+4.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-2.76%	+2.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.11%	-2.23%	+1.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	2.21%	-1.14%

Volatility

SEPT vs. ARLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF (SEPT) is 1.81%, while Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) has a volatility of 3.95%. This indicates that SEPT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEPT	ARLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.81%	3.95%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.76%	9.27%	-3.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.49%	11.61%	-4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.83%	12.66%	-2.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.83%	12.66%	-2.83%

SEPT vs. ARLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SEPT and ARLU have an expense ratio of 0.74%.

Dividends

SEPT vs. ARLU - Dividend Comparison

Neither SEPT nor ARLU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEPT and ARLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SEPT and ARLU 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, SEPT or ARLU?

ARLU has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to SEPT (1.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEPT dropped -12.83% vs ARLU's -15.38%.

Which ETF is better, SEPT or ARLU?

On 1-year performance, SEPT leads with 18.09% vs 16.01% for ARLU. Both ETFs have the same 0.74% expense ratio. On volatility, SEPT has been the lower-risk option at 1.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEPT or ARLU?

Over the 1-year period, SEPT has performed better with a 18.09% return vs 16.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEPT or ARLU?

SEPT and ARLU have the same expense ratio: 0.74% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEPT or ARLU?

SEPT and ARLU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SEPT and ARLU?

SEPT is categorized as Defined Outcome, while ARLU is Options Trading.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SEPT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.39), 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.