ACLC vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

ACLC (American Century Large Cap Equity ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. ACLC is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Over the past year, ACLC returned 15.34% vs 24.51% for ESN. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACLC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

ACLC vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) 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, ACLC achieves a 5.55% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 14.67% return.

ACLC

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -1.89%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: 15.34%
• 3Y*: 15.91%
• 5Y*: 9.98%
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: -0.48%
• YTD: 14.67%
• 6M: 13.89%
• 1Y: 24.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ACLC vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ACLC American Century Large Cap Equity ETF	5.55%	11.80%	-0.84%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.67%	16.52%	-3.53%

Correlation

The correlation between ACLC and ESN is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2024	0.76

The correlation between ACLC and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ACLC vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACLC

ACLC Risk / Return Rank: 38
ACLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ACLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ACLC Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ACLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ACLC Martin Ratio Rank: 46

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 86
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

ACLC vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) 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.

	ACLC	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	2.53	-1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	3.51	-1.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.44	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.56	3.91	-2.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.66	15.25	-8.60

ACLC vs. ESN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the ESN Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACLC and ESN, 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

ACLC vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACLC drawdown since its inception was -26.44%, which is greater than ESN's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACLC and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACLC	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.44%	-13.60%	-12.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.28%	-6.42%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.55%	-1.06%	-2.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-1.86%	-3.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	1.64%	+0.76%

Volatility

ACLC vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison

American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) has a higher volatility of 4.74% compared to Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) at 3.31%. This indicates that ACLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACLC	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	3.31%	+1.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.19%	7.49%	+2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.81%	9.95%	+2.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	13.25%	+4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	13.25%	+3.87%

ACLC vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACLC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACLC vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

ACLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, less than ESN's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ACLC American Century Large Cap Equity ETF	0.55%	0.64%	0.89%	1.09%	1.10%	0.72%	0.43%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.79%	0.91%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACLC and ESN in my portfolio?

ACLC and ESN have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ACLC or ESN?

ACLC has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to ESN (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACLC dropped -26.44% vs ESN's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, ACLC or ESN?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 24.51% vs 15.34% for ACLC. On fees, ACLC is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, ESN has been the lower-risk option at 3.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACLC or ESN?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 24.51% return vs 15.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACLC or ESN?

ACLC is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

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

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.55% for ACLC.

What is the main difference between ACLC and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and KKM Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ACLC and 0.70% for ESN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.25), 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.