XV vs. ZHDG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

XV (Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF) and ZHDG (ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, XV returned 11.55% vs 13.02% for ZHDG. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XV charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for ZHDG.

Performance

XV vs. ZHDG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF (XV) and ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XV achieves a 3.65% return, which is significantly higher than ZHDG's 2.23% return.

XV

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 3.08%
• 1Y: 11.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZHDG

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 2.23%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 13.02%
• 3Y*: 12.93%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XV vs. ZHDG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XV Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF	3.65%	16.13%
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	2.23%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between XV and ZHDG is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2025	0.64

The correlation between XV and ZHDG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

XV vs. ZHDG — Risk / Return Rank

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

XV

XV Risk / Return Rank: 42
XV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
XV Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
XV Omega Ratio Rank: 37
XV Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XV Martin Ratio Rank: 50

ZHDG

ZHDG Risk / Return Rank: 37
ZHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ZHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ZHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ZHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ZHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

XV vs. ZHDG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF (XV) and ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG). 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.

	XV	ZHDG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.21	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	1.71	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	1.53	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.64	6.13	+1.51

XV vs. ZHDG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XV Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the ZHDG Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XV and ZHDG, 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

XV vs. ZHDG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XV drawdown since its inception was -5.73%, smaller than the maximum ZHDG drawdown of -23.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XV and ZHDG.

Drawdown Indicators

	XV	ZHDG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-23.27%	+17.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.73%	-8.56%	+2.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-3.33%	+2.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.97%	-8.09%	+7.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	2.13%	-0.61%

Volatility

XV vs. ZHDG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF (XV) is 3.19%, while ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) has a volatility of 4.16%. This indicates that XV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ZHDG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XV	ZHDG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	4.16%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.43%	8.93%	-2.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.13%	10.83%	-1.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.85%	11.81%	-0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.85%	11.81%	-0.96%

XV vs. ZHDG - Expense Ratio Comparison

XV has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ZHDG's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

XV vs. ZHDG - Dividend Comparison

XV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.13%, more than ZHDG's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
XV Simplify Target 15 Distribution ETF	19.13%	13.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	2.51%	2.57%	2.59%	1.52%	3.58%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XV and ZHDG in my portfolio?

XV and ZHDG have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XV or ZHDG?

ZHDG has higher volatility (4.16%) compared to XV (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XV dropped -5.73% vs ZHDG's -23.27%.

Which ETF is better, XV or ZHDG?

On 1-year performance, ZHDG leads with 13.02% vs 11.55% for XV. On fees, XV is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, XV has been the lower-risk option at 3.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XV or ZHDG?

Over the 1-year period, ZHDG has performed better with a 13.02% return vs 11.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XV or ZHDG?

XV is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for ZHDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XV or ZHDG?

XV has the higher dividend yield at 19.13%, compared with 2.51% for ZHDG.

What is the main difference between XV and ZHDG?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and ZEGA. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for XV and 0.98% for ZHDG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.21), 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.