SIXJ vs. HEQT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SIXJ (AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF) and HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SIXJ is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500, while HEQT is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Simplify. SIXJ is passively managed, while HEQT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SIXJ returned 13.50%/yr vs 12.95%/yr for HEQT. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXJ charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HEQT.

Performance

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF (SIXJ) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXJ achieves a 5.79% return, which is significantly higher than HEQT's 4.02% return.

SIXJ

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.54%
• YTD: 5.79%
• 6M: 6.00%
• 1Y: 16.50%
• 3Y*: 13.50%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEQT

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 6M: 3.76%
• 1Y: 13.00%
• 3Y*: 12.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SIXJ AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF	5.79%	12.81%	14.48%	18.07%	-10.33%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	4.02%	10.08%	18.30%	16.61%	-8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXJ and HEQT is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2022	0.87

The correlation between SIXJ and HEQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SIXJ vs. HEQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXJ

SIXJ Risk / Return Rank: 89
SIXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SIXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SIXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SIXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SIXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 91

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 63
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF (SIXJ) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). 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.

	SIXJ	HEQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	1.97	+0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.18	2.77	+1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.40	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.66	2.56	+1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.87	11.59	+8.28

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXJ Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is higher than the HEQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXJ and HEQT, 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

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXJ drawdown since its inception was -14.07%, which is greater than HEQT's maximum drawdown of -11.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXJ and HEQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXJ	HEQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.07%	-11.51%	-2.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.53%	-5.09%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.89%	-10.57%	-0.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-1.12%	+0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-2.77%	-0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	1.12%	-0.29%

Volatility

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF (SIXJ) is 1.48%, while Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) has a volatility of 2.06%. This indicates that SIXJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HEQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXJ	HEQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.48%	2.06%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.78%	5.49%	-0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.82%	6.64%	-0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.98%	8.47%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.98%	8.47%	+1.51%

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXJ has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than HEQT's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXJ vs. HEQT - Dividend Comparison

SIXJ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HEQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.20%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%
SIXJ AllianzIM U.S. Large Cap 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXJ and HEQT in my portfolio?

SIXJ and HEQT have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXJ or HEQT?

HEQT has higher volatility (2.06%) compared to SIXJ (1.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXJ dropped -14.07% vs HEQT's -11.51%.

Which ETF is better, SIXJ or HEQT?

On 3-year performance, SIXJ leads with 13.50% vs 12.95% for HEQT. On fees, HEQT is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, SIXJ has been the lower-risk option at 1.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXJ or HEQT?

Over the 3-year period, SIXJ has performed better with a 13.50% return vs 12.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXJ or HEQT?

HEQT is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for SIXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SIXJ or HEQT?

HEQT has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.00% for SIXJ.

What is the main difference between SIXJ and HEQT?

SIXJ is categorized as Options Trading, while HEQT is Equity Hedged. They also come from different issuers: Allianz and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for SIXJ and 0.43% for HEQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 vs 1.97), 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.