DRSK vs. AOA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) and AOA (iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. DRSK is actively managed, while AOA is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DRSK returned 3.13%/yr vs 9.19%/yr for AOA. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRSK charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AOA.

Performance

DRSK vs. AOA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRSK achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than AOA's 10.13% return.

DRSK

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 2.54%
• 1Y: 8.04%
• 3Y*: 9.30%
• 5Y*: 3.13%
• 10Y*: —

AOA

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.39%
• YTD: 10.13%
• 6M: 10.89%
• 1Y: 24.17%
• 3Y*: 17.70%
• 5Y*: 9.19%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

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

DRSK vs. AOA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	4.10%	7.67%	12.50%	2.08%	-9.57%	0.88%	13.80%	12.64%	2.40%
AOA iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF	10.13%	19.59%	13.55%	18.27%	-16.23%	15.42%	12.82%	22.60%	-9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between DRSK and AOA is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2018	0.56

The correlation between DRSK and AOA shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (all time) to 0.68 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DRSK vs. AOA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRSK	AOA
Technology	35.6%	27.4%
Financial Services	11.8%	16.1%
Communication Services	11.2%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	9.5%
Healthcare	8.5%	8.0%
Industrials	8.3%	12.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	5.0%
Energy	3.5%	4.3%
Utilities	2.4%	2.7%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.4%
Basic Materials	1.8%	4.2%

Return for Risk

DRSK vs. AOA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRSK

DRSK Risk / Return Rank: 26
DRSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DRSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DRSK Omega Ratio Rank: 26
DRSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
DRSK Martin Ratio Rank: 23

AOA

AOA Risk / Return Rank: 70
AOA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
AOA Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
AOA Omega Ratio Rank: 72
AOA Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
AOA Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

DRSK vs. AOA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA). 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.

	DRSK	AOA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	2.28	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	3.22	-1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.42	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	2.96	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.89	13.13	-10.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DRSK vs. AOA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRSK Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is lower than the AOA Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRSK and AOA, 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

	DRSK	AOA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98	2.28	-1.31
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.71	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.69	+0.12

Drawdowns

DRSK vs. AOA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRSK drawdown since its inception was -19.87%, smaller than the maximum AOA drawdown of -28.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRSK and AOA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRSK	AOA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-28.38%	+8.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.20%	-8.20%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.60%	-12.94%	+3.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	-23.62%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-28.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.31%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.21%	-4.05%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	1.85%	+0.94%

Volatility

DRSK vs. AOA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is 2.97%, while iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) has a volatility of 3.16%. This indicates that DRSK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AOA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRSK	AOA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	3.16%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.19%	8.51%	-3.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.26%	10.63%	-2.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.39%	12.97%	-5.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.06%	13.54%	-6.48%

DRSK vs. AOA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRSK has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than AOA's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRSK vs. AOA - Dividend Comparison

DRSK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, more than AOA's 2.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOA iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF	2.04%	2.18%	2.30%	2.22%	2.10%	1.67%	1.71%	2.50%	2.37%	5.09%	2.26%	2.15%
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.61%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRSK and AOA in my portfolio?

DRSK and AOA have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRSK or AOA?

AOA has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to DRSK (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRSK dropped -19.87% vs AOA's -28.38%.

Which ETF is better, DRSK or AOA?

On 5-year performance, AOA leads with 9.19% vs 3.13% for DRSK. On fees, AOA is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, DRSK has been the lower-risk option at 2.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRSK or AOA?

Over the 5-year period, AOA has performed better with a 9.19% return vs 3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRSK or AOA?

AOA is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRSK or AOA?

DRSK has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 2.04% for AOA.

What is the main difference between DRSK and AOA?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DRSK and 0.15% for AOA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AOA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 0.98), 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.