ZHDG vs. AIYY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ZHDG (ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF) and AIYY (YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ZHDG returned 18.31% vs -57.47% for AIYY. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ZHDG charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for AIYY.

Performance

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) and YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF (AIYY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZHDG achieves a 5.12% return, which is significantly higher than AIYY's -24.26% return.

ZHDG

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 4.65%
• YTD: 5.12%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 18.31%
• 3Y*: 14.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIYY

• 1D: -3.43%
• 1M: 9.34%
• YTD: -24.26%
• 6M: -29.50%
• 1Y: -57.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	5.12%	14.34%	18.02%	1.65%
AIYY YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF	-24.26%	-58.98%	-14.74%	-1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between ZHDG and AIYY is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2023	0.45

Return for Risk

ZHDG vs. AIYY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZHDG

ZHDG Risk / Return Rank: 51
ZHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
ZHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ZHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ZHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
ZHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 53

AIYY

AIYY Risk / Return Rank: 2
AIYY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
AIYY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
AIYY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
AIYY Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
AIYY Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) and YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF (AIYY). 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.

	ZHDG	AIYY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	-1.07	+2.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	-1.59	+4.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	0.78	+0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	-0.84	+2.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.97	-1.21	+10.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZHDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the AIYY Sharpe Ratio of -1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZHDG and AIYY, 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

	ZHDG	AIYY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	-1.07	+2.86
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	-0.83	+1.34

Drawdowns

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZHDG drawdown since its inception was -23.27%, smaller than the maximum AIYY drawdown of -79.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZHDG and AIYY.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZHDG	AIYY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.27%	-79.48%	+56.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.56%	-68.33%	+59.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-75.26%	+74.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-41.04%	+32.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	47.63%	-45.58%

Volatility

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is 2.80%, while YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF (AIYY) has a volatility of 15.67%. This indicates that ZHDG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIYY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZHDG	AIYY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.80%	15.67%	-12.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.06%	39.16%	-31.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.27%	53.83%	-43.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.75%	50.52%	-38.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.75%	50.52%	-38.77%

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZHDG has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is lower than AIYY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZHDG vs. AIYY - Dividend Comparison

ZHDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, less than AIYY's 158.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AIYY YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF	158.78%	168.33%	98.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	2.44%	2.57%	2.59%	1.52%	3.58%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZHDG and AIYY in my portfolio?

ZHDG and AIYY have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZHDG or AIYY?

AIYY has higher volatility (15.67%) compared to ZHDG (2.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZHDG dropped -23.27% vs AIYY's -79.48%.

Which ETF is better, ZHDG or AIYY?

On 1-year performance, ZHDG leads with 18.31% vs -57.47% for AIYY. On fees, ZHDG is cheaper at 0.98% per year. On volatility, ZHDG has been the lower-risk option at 2.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZHDG or AIYY?

Over the 1-year period, ZHDG has performed better with a 18.31% return vs -57.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZHDG or AIYY?

ZHDG is cheaper with a 0.98% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for AIYY.

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

AIYY has the higher dividend yield at 158.78%, compared with 2.44% for ZHDG.

What is the main difference between ZHDG and AIYY?

They also come from different issuers: ZEGA and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for ZHDG and 0.99% for AIYY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZHDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs -1.07), 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.