AAEQ vs. DFND

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and DFND (Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AAEQ is actively managed, while DFND is passively managed. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for DFND.

Performance

AAEQ vs. DFND - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AAEQ

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 5.97%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFND

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• 1Y: 2.18%
• 3Y*: 8.10%
• 5Y*: 4.54%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

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

AAEQ vs. DFND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	5.97%	-1.11%
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.00%	-0.97%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and DFND is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.03

AAEQ vs. DFND - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AAEQ	DFND
Technology	40.5%	24.8%
Communication Services	12.2%	0.8%
Financial Services	11.6%	18.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	3.5%
Healthcare	9.0%	10.7%
Industrials	6.1%	17.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.2%
Energy	2.9%	1.7%
Real Estate	1.6%	2.0%
Utilities	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.1%	4.3%

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. DFND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND). 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.

	AAEQ	DFND	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.19	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.35	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.05	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.60	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.08	—

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. DFND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, smaller than the maximum DFND drawdown of -22.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and DFND.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	DFND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-22.65%	+12.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.44%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.56%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.65%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.43%	-3.69%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.43%	-5.70%	+3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.72%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	DFND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.00%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.32%	10.88%	+3.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	22.44%	-8.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.32%	19.08%	-4.76%

AAEQ vs. DFND - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DFND's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. DFND - Dividend Comparison

AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, while DFND has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.29%	1.10%	1.64%	1.84%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.77%	0.53%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and DFND in my portfolio?

AAEQ and DFND have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAEQ or DFND?

On fees, AAEQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAEQ or DFND?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for DFND.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAEQ or DFND?

DFND has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.09% for AAEQ.

What is the main difference between AAEQ and DFND?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and SRN Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 1.50% for DFND.