BTR vs. EQL

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

BTR (Beacon Tactical Risk ETF) and EQL (ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. BTR is actively managed, while EQL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BTR returned 4.17%/yr vs 14.59%/yr for EQL. Their correlation of 0.84 means they have usually moved in the same direction. BTR charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for EQL.

Performance

BTR vs. EQL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTR achieves a 9.64% return, which is significantly lower than EQL's 10.71% return.

BTR

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -0.14%
• 6M: 5.82%
• YTD: 9.64%
• 1Y: 17.44%
• 3Y*: 4.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.20%

EQL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.31%
• 6M: 6.82%
• YTD: 10.71%
• 1Y: 18.34%
• 3Y*: 14.59%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: 12.39%
• ALL TIME*: 13.49%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	$78.21K	$71.52K	$93.67K
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	$3.33M	$2.84M	$2.70M

BTR vs. EQL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	9.64%	-2.15%	14.45%	-6.78%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	10.71%	13.09%	16.44%	10.31%

Correlation

The correlation between BTR and EQL is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2023	0.84

The correlation between BTR and EQL shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (all time) to 0.97 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BTR vs. EQL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BTR	EQL
Technology	12.3%	10.2%
Energy	10.0%	8.7%
Industrials	9.5%	9.3%
Healthcare	9.5%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	9.6%
Utilities	8.7%	9.4%
Communication Services	8.6%	8.9%
Real Estate	8.4%	8.7%
Basic Materials	8.2%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	8.8%
Financial Services	7.5%	9.1%

Return for Risk

BTR vs. EQL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

BTR

BTR Risk / Return Rank: 74
BTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
BTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BTR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
BTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
BTR Martin Ratio Rank: 79

EQL

EQL Risk / Return Rank: 79
EQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
EQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EQL Omega Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

BTR vs. EQL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). 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.

	BTR	EQL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.82	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.54	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	2.78	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	10.89	-0.72

BTR vs. EQL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the EQL Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTR and EQL, 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

BTR vs. EQL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTR drawdown since its inception was -16.67%, smaller than the maximum EQL drawdown of -35.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTR and EQL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTR	EQL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.67%	-35.65%	+18.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-6.19%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.67%	-15.07%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.24%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-0.27%	-0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.34%	-3.23%	-2.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.60%	1.58%	+0.02%

Volatility

BTR vs. EQL - Volatility Comparison

Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) have volatilities of 2.20% and 2.23%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTR	EQL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.20%	2.23%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.15%	7.03%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.86%	9.50%	+0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.80%	14.51%	-3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.80%	16.49%	-5.69%

BTR vs. EQL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTR has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than EQL's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTR vs. EQL - Dividend Comparison

BTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than EQL's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	1.17%	1.29%	0.87%	0.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	1.35%	1.73%	1.78%	1.96%	2.14%	1.69%	2.29%	1.95%	2.39%	1.97%	2.89%	2.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTR and EQL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BTR and EQL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BTR or EQL?

EQL has higher volatility (2.23%) compared to BTR (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTR dropped -16.67% vs EQL's -35.65%.

Which ETF is better, BTR or EQL?

On 3-year performance, EQL leads with 14.59% vs 4.17% for BTR. On fees, EQL is cheaper at 0.27% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTR or EQL?

Over the 3-year period, EQL has performed better with a 14.59% return vs 4.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTR or EQL?

EQL is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTR or EQL?

EQL has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.17% for BTR.

What is the main difference between BTR and EQL?

They also come from different issuers: American Beacon and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for BTR and 0.27% for EQL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.66), 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.