AFOS vs. STOX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) and STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFOS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for STOX.

Performance

AFOS vs. STOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) and Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFOS achieves a 36.79% return, which is significantly higher than STOX's 8.81% return.

AFOS

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 8.55%
• YTD: 36.79%
• 6M: 36.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STOX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 8.81%
• 6M: 8.58%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFOS vs. STOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	36.79%	37.10%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	8.81%	13.00%

Correlation

The correlation between AFOS and STOX is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

AFOS vs. STOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Drawdowns

AFOS vs. STOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFOS drawdown since its inception was -11.52%, which is greater than STOX's maximum drawdown of -9.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFOS and STOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFOS	STOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-9.33%	-2.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.26%	+1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-1.19%	-0.22%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFOS	STOX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.17%	12.78%	+8.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	12.78%	+8.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.17%	12.78%	+8.39%

AFOS vs. STOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AFOS vs. STOX - Dividend Comparison

AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, more than STOX's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFOS and STOX in my portfolio?

AFOS and STOX have a correlation of 0.83, 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 STOX?

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 STOX?

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

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

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.17% for STOX.

What is the main difference between AFOS and STOX?

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