ACEP vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

ACEP (ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. ACEP is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACEP charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

ACEP vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF (ACEP) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACEP achieves a 23.04% return, which is significantly higher than ESN's 14.09% return.

ACEP

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: 23.04%
• 6M: 22.96%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 26.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ACEP vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ACEP ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF	23.04%	8.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.09%	4.20%

Correlation

The correlation between ACEP and ESN is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

ACEP vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACEP

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

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 83
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

ACEP vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF (ACEP) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	ACEP	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.62	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.61	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.45	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.08	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.09	—

Drawdowns

ACEP vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACEP drawdown since its inception was -7.06%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACEP and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACEP	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-13.60%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-1.56%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.48%	-1.86%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ACEP	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.47%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.79%	10.03%	+7.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.79%	13.31%	+4.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.79%	13.31%	+4.48%

ACEP vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACEP has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACEP vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

ACEP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than ESN's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ACEP ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF	0.11%	0.14%	0.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.80%	0.91%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACEP and ESN in my portfolio?

ACEP and ESN have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ACEP or ESN?

On fees, ACEP is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACEP or ESN?

ACEP is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACEP or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.11% for ACEP.

What is the main difference between ACEP and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: ARS Investment Partners and KKM Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for ACEP and 0.70% for ESN.