DEFR vs. WCPB

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

DEFR (Aptus Deferred Income ETF) and WCPB (Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DEFR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for WCPB.

Performance

DEFR vs. WCPB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) and Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF (WCPB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEFR achieves a -0.11% return, which is significantly lower than WCPB's 1.35% return.

DEFR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.45%
• 6M: -0.15%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 1Y: 5.08%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WCPB

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -0.07%
• 6M: 0.80%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DEFR vs. WCPB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	-0.11%	3.45%
WCPB Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF	1.35%	3.01%

Correlation

The correlation between DEFR and WCPB is 0.72, 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 Aug 13, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

DEFR vs. WCPB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEFR

DEFR Risk / Return Rank: 34
DEFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DEFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
DEFR Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DEFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DEFR Martin Ratio Rank: 29

WCPB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

DEFR vs. WCPB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) and Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF (WCPB). 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.

	DEFR	WCPB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.31	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.10	—	—

Drawdowns

DEFR vs. WCPB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEFR drawdown since its inception was -3.90%, which is greater than WCPB's maximum drawdown of -2.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEFR and WCPB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEFR	WCPB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-2.64%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.41%	-0.63%	-1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.09%	-0.57%	-0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.64%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DEFR	WCPB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.46%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.93%	3.85%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.25%	3.85%	+1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.25%	3.85%	+1.40%

DEFR vs. WCPB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEFR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than WCPB's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEFR vs. WCPB - Dividend Comparison

DEFR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WCPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.58%.

Position	TTM	2025
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WCPB Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF	3.58%	1.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEFR and WCPB in my portfolio?

DEFR and WCPB have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DEFR or WCPB?

On fees, WCPB is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEFR or WCPB?

WCPB is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DEFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DEFR or WCPB?

WCPB has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 0.00% for DEFR.

What is the main difference between DEFR and WCPB?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus and Weitz. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DEFR and 0.45% for WCPB.