DAK vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DAK (Dakota Active Equity ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAK charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

DAK vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAK achieves a 8.35% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 26.02% return.

DAK

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 8.35%
• 6M: 8.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -4.70%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 26.02%
• 6M: 29.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DAK vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	8.35%	7.36%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	26.02%	27.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DAK and AFOS is 0.76, 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 Jul 31, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

DAK vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DAK	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.71	3.75	-2.03

Drawdowns

DAK vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAK drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAK and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAK	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-11.52%	+3.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-4.83%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-1.38%	+0.30%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DAK	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.39%	20.74%	-9.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.39%	20.74%	-9.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.39%	20.74%	-9.35%

DAK vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAK has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAK vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

DAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than AFOS's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.24%	0.30%
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	0.56%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAK and AFOS in my portfolio?

DAK and AFOS have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DAK or AFOS?

On fees, DAK is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAK or AFOS?

DAK is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

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

DAK has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.24% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between DAK and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Dakota Wealth and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DAK and 0.45% for AFOS.