AFOS vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFOS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

AFOS vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) 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, AFOS achieves a 32.24% return, which is significantly higher than ESN's 14.95% return.

AFOS

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 7.26%
• YTD: 32.24%
• 6M: 36.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 4.72%
• YTD: 14.95%
• 6M: 15.15%
• 1Y: 27.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFOS vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.24%	36.15%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.95%	9.02%

Correlation

The correlation between AFOS and ESN is 0.58, 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 Jun 27, 2025	0.58

Return for Risk

AFOS vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 86
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

AFOS vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AFOS	ESN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.35	1.33	+3.01

Drawdowns

AFOS vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFOS drawdown since its inception was -11.52%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFOS and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFOS	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-13.60%	+2.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.29%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.37%	-1.87%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.61%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFOS	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.14%	9.77%	+10.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.14%	13.29%	+6.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.14%	13.29%	+6.85%

AFOS vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AFOS vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than ESN's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%	0.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.79%	0.91%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFOS and ESN in my portfolio?

AFOS and ESN have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFOS or ESN?

On fees, AFOS 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, AFOS or ESN?

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

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

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between AFOS and ESN?

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