DFTT vs. ESN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFTT (DF Tactical 30 ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - DFTT tracks the DF Risk-Managed Tactical Top 30 Index while ESN tracks the Essential 40 Stock Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

DFTT vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DF Tactical 30 ETF (DFTT) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFTT achieves a 17.89% return, which is significantly higher than ESN's 15.85% return.

DFTT

• 1D: -3.68%
• 1M: -6.57%
• 6M: 13.63%
• YTD: 17.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 11.01%
• YTD: 15.85%
• 1Y: 24.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFTT vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFTT DF Tactical 30 ETF	17.89%	-0.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	15.85%	0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between DFTT and ESN is 0.53, 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 Nov 12, 2025	0.53

Return for Risk

DFTT vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFTT

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

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 89
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 88
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

DFTT vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DF Tactical 30 ETF (DFTT) 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.

	DFTT	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.48	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.45	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.43	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.81	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.93	—

Drawdowns

DFTT vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFTT drawdown since its inception was -10.46%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFTT and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFTT	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.46%	-13.60%	+3.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.03%	-0.96%	-8.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.44%	-1.83%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.64%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFTT	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.48%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.69%	9.86%	+15.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.69%	13.10%	+12.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.69%	13.10%	+12.59%

DFTT vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFTT and ESN have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

DFTT vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

DFTT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than ESN's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DFTT DF Tactical 30 ETF	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.78%	0.91%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFTT and ESN in my portfolio?

DFTT and ESN have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFTT or ESN?

Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFTT or ESN?

DFTT and ESN have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFTT or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.14% for DFTT.

What is the main difference between DFTT and ESN?

DFTT tracks DF Risk-Managed Tactical Top 30 Index, while ESN tracks Essential 40 Stock Index. They also come from different issuers: Donoghue Forlines and KKM Financial.