AAUS vs. DFND

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and DFND (Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AAUS is actively managed, while DFND is passively managed. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for DFND.

Performance

AAUS vs. DFND - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFND

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 6M: -1.09%
• 1Y: 0.20%
• 3Y*: 7.91%
• 5Y*: 4.54%
• 10Y*: 7.16%

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

AAUS vs. DFND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.00%	1.03%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and DFND is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.11

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. DFND — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFND

DFND Risk / Return Rank: 9
DFND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DFND Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DFND Omega Ratio Rank: 8
DFND Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
DFND Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

AAUS vs. DFND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	DFND	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.02	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.36	+1.55

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. DFND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum DFND drawdown of -22.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and DFND.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	DFND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-22.65%	+13.52%
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	-0.74%	-3.69%	+2.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-5.70%	+4.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.70%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	DFND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.00%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	10.92%	+1.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	22.46%	-10.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	19.09%	-6.64%

AAUS vs. DFND - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AAUS vs. DFND - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than DFND's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.62%	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 AAUS and DFND in my portfolio?

AAUS and DFND have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or DFND?

On fees, AAUS 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, AAUS or DFND?

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

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

DFND has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and DFND?

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