DALI vs. BSR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DALI (First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF) and BSR (Beacon Selective Risk ETF) are both Tactical Allocation funds - DALI tracks the Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index while BSR tracks the NONE. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DALI returned 6.35%/yr vs 7.09%/yr for BSR. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DALI charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BSR.

Performance

DALI vs. BSR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) and Beacon Selective Risk ETF (BSR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DALI achieves a 3.48% return, which is significantly higher than BSR's 2.77% return.

DALI

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 3.48%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 16.11%
• 3Y*: 6.35%
• 5Y*: 4.20%
• 10Y*: —

BSR

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 2.04%
• 1Y: 10.43%
• 3Y*: 7.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DALI vs. BSR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	3.48%	11.89%	19.93%	-13.51%
BSR Beacon Selective Risk ETF	2.77%	4.21%	12.44%	4.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DALI and BSR is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2023	0.78

The correlation between DALI and BSR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DALI vs. BSR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DALI

DALI Risk / Return Rank: 27
DALI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DALI Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DALI Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DALI Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DALI Martin Ratio Rank: 33

BSR

BSR Risk / Return Rank: 35
BSR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
BSR Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
BSR Omega Ratio Rank: 34
BSR Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
BSR Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

DALI vs. BSR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) and Beacon Selective Risk ETF (BSR). 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.

	DALI	BSR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	1.19	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	1.67	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.21	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.70	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.63	4.57	+0.06

DALI vs. BSR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DALI Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is comparable to the BSR Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DALI and BSR, 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

DALI vs. BSR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DALI drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, which is greater than BSR's maximum drawdown of -15.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DALI and BSR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DALI	BSR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-15.68%	-20.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.54%	-6.15%	-6.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.30%	-15.68%	-7.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.29%	-4.99%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.09%	-4.58%	-5.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	2.29%	+1.19%

Volatility

DALI vs. BSR - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) has a higher volatility of 7.74% compared to Beacon Selective Risk ETF (BSR) at 2.41%. This indicates that DALI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BSR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DALI	BSR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.74%	2.41%	+5.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	6.52%	+9.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.50%	8.79%	+9.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	16.17%	+3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.99%	16.17%	+4.82%

DALI vs. BSR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DALI has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than BSR's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

DALI vs. BSR - Dividend Comparison

DALI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than BSR's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BSR Beacon Selective Risk ETF	2.82%	2.89%	0.89%	1.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	0.39%	0.38%	0.18%	3.42%	0.50%	0.11%	1.25%	0.45%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DALI and BSR in my portfolio?

DALI and BSR have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DALI or BSR?

DALI has higher volatility (7.74%) compared to BSR (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DALI dropped -36.06% vs BSR's -15.68%.

Which ETF is better, DALI or BSR?

On 3-year performance, BSR leads with 7.09% vs 6.35% for DALI. On fees, DALI is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, BSR has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DALI or BSR?

Over the 3-year period, BSR has performed better with a 7.09% return vs 6.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DALI or BSR?

DALI is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BSR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DALI or BSR?

BSR has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 0.39% for DALI.

What is the main difference between DALI and BSR?

DALI tracks Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index, while BSR tracks NONE. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and American Beacon. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for DALI and 1.10% for BSR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs 0.88), 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.