DAK vs. ESN
DAK (Dakota Active Equity ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DAK is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Over the past year, DAK returned 20.52% vs 27.64% for ESN. Their correlation of 0.81 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DAK charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.
Performance
DAK vs. ESN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DAK achieves a 10.36% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 16.65% return.
DAK
- 1D
- 0.74%
- 1M
- 0.91%
- 6M
- 9.09%
- YTD
- 10.36%
- 1Y
- 20.52%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 17.77%
ESN
- 1D
- 0.28%
- 1M
- -0.26%
- 6M
- 12.11%
- YTD
- 16.65%
- 1Y
- 27.64%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 16.50%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.23K | $2.63K | $4.01K | |
| $2.17M | $1.60M | $1.63M |
DAK vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF | 10.36% | 6.75% |
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF | 16.65% | 7.56% |
Correlation
The correlation between DAK and ESN is 0.81, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.81 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025 | 0.81 |
The correlation between DAK and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DAK vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank
DAK
ESN
DAK vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) 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.
| DAK | ESN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.97 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.29 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | 1.46 | -0.16 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.42 | 4.12 | -1.69 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.16 | 16.52 | -6.35 |
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Drawdowns
DAK vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DAK drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAK and ESN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DAK | ESN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -7.87% | -13.60% | +5.73% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.87% | -6.42% | -1.45% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.55% | -0.53% | -0.02% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.18% | -1.81% | +0.63% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.87% | 1.60% | +0.27% |
Volatility
DAK vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) has a higher volatility of 2.91% compared to Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) at 2.65%. This indicates that DAK'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.
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Volatility by Period
| DAK | ESN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.91% | 2.65% | +0.26% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.11% | 7.51% | +1.60% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.39% | 9.98% | +1.41% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.39% | 13.04% | -1.65% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.39% | 13.04% | -1.65% |
DAK vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison
DAK has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
DAK vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison
DAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than ESN's 0.78% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF | 0.75% | 0.42% | 0.00% |
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF | 0.78% | 0.91% | 0.76% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DAK and ESN have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DAK has higher volatility (2.91%) compared to ESN (2.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAK dropped -7.87% vs ESN's -13.60%.
On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 27.64% vs 20.52% for DAK. On fees, DAK is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, ESN has been the lower-risk option at 2.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 27.64% return vs 20.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DAK is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.
ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.75% for DAK.
They also come from different issuers: Dakota Wealth and KKM. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DAK and 0.70% for ESN.
ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.68), 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.
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