DDX vs. AOK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDX (Defined Duration 10 ETF) and AOK (iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. DDX is actively managed, while AOK is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DDX returned 8.16%/yr vs 9.28%/yr for AOK. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

DDX vs. AOK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) and iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDX achieves a 4.86% return, which is significantly higher than AOK's 4.26% return.

DDX

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 2.02%
• YTD: 4.86%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: 8.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AOK

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 1.66%
• YTD: 4.26%
• 6M: 4.14%
• 1Y: 12.11%
• 3Y*: 9.28%
• 5Y*: 3.71%
• 10Y*: 5.14%

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

DDX vs. AOK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	4.86%	12.02%	2.93%	10.48%	-16.19%	1.34%
AOK iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF	4.26%	11.26%	6.58%	10.85%	-14.16%	1.28%

Correlation

The correlation between DDX and AOK is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2021	0.93

The correlation between DDX and AOK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DDX vs. AOK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDX	AOK
Financial Services	21.9%	6.0%
Technology	15.4%	13.0%
Industrials	14.5%	3.6%
Healthcare	10.3%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	1.7%
Communication Services	6.0%	3.4%
Energy	5.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	5.0%	1.1%
Utilities	3.5%	0.9%
Real Estate	2.7%	0.5%

Return for Risk

DDX vs. AOK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDX

DDX Risk / Return Rank: 70
DDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DDX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DDX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

AOK

AOK Risk / Return Rank: 61
AOK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AOK Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
AOK Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AOK Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AOK Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

DDX vs. AOK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) and iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK). 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.

	DDX	AOK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.11	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	3.01	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.41	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	2.70	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.71	11.50	+0.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDX vs. AOK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the AOK Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDX and AOK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DDX	AOK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.11	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.71	-0.35

Drawdowns

DDX vs. AOK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDX drawdown since its inception was -21.27%, which is greater than AOK's maximum drawdown of -18.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDX and AOK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDX	AOK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.27%	-18.94%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-4.50%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.17%	-6.37%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-0.41%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.12%	-2.37%	-4.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	1.06%	+0.03%

Volatility

DDX vs. AOK - Volatility Comparison

Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) and iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK) have volatilities of 2.03% and 1.97%, 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

	DDX	AOK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	1.97%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.46%	4.47%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.47%	5.76%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.48%	7.10%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.48%	6.71%	+0.77%

DDX vs. AOK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DDX and AOK have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DDX vs. AOK - Dividend Comparison

DDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, more than AOK's 3.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOK iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF	3.28%	3.28%	3.23%	2.93%	2.25%	1.55%	2.10%	2.71%	2.68%	2.91%	2.14%	2.02%
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	3.39%	3.17%	3.11%	2.41%	1.38%	1.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDX and AOK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DDX and AOK 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, DDX or AOK?

DDX has higher volatility (2.03%) compared to AOK (1.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDX dropped -21.27% vs AOK's -18.94%.

Which ETF is better, DDX or AOK?

On 3-year performance, AOK leads with 9.28% vs 8.16% for DDX. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. 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, DDX or AOK?

Over the 3-year period, AOK has performed better with a 9.28% return vs 8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDX or AOK?

DDX and AOK have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDX or AOK?

DDX has the higher dividend yield at 3.39%, compared with 3.28% for AOK.

What is the main difference between DDX and AOK?

They also come from different issuers: Discipline Funds and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.11), 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.