DRSK vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DRSK is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Aptus Capital Advisors, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DRSK returned 8.90%/yr vs 18.65%/yr for PIT. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DRSK charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

DRSK vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRSK achieves a 3.00% return, which is significantly lower than PIT's 28.27% return.

DRSK

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 3.00%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 7.85%
• 3Y*: 8.90%
• 5Y*: 2.97%
• 10Y*: —

PIT

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: -10.27%
• YTD: 28.27%
• 6M: 29.77%
• 1Y: 39.38%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DRSK vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.00%	7.67%	12.50%	2.08%	-0.79%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	28.27%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DRSK and PIT is -0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.02

The correlation between DRSK and PIT shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.02 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DRSK vs. PIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRSK

DRSK Risk / Return Rank: 24
DRSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DRSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
DRSK Omega Ratio Rank: 24
DRSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DRSK Martin Ratio Rank: 22

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 57
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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.

	DRSK	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	1.83	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	2.37	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.33	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	2.87	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.63	11.34	-8.70

DRSK vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRSK Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is lower than the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRSK and PIT, 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

DRSK vs. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRSK drawdown since its inception was -19.87%, which is greater than PIT's maximum drawdown of -13.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRSK and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRSK	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-13.74%	-6.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.20%	-13.74%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.60%	-13.74%	+4.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.95%	-13.40%	+11.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.20%	-4.06%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	3.48%	-0.67%

Volatility

DRSK vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is 2.44%, while VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) has a volatility of 4.96%. This indicates that DRSK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRSK	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.44%	4.96%	-2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.29%	19.37%	-14.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.36%	21.60%	-13.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.43%	17.50%	-10.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.07%	17.50%	-10.43%

DRSK vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRSK has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRSK vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

DRSK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.65%, less than PIT's 6.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.65%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	6.95%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRSK and PIT in my portfolio?

DRSK and PIT have a correlation of -0.10, 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 PIT?

PIT has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to DRSK (2.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRSK dropped -19.87% vs PIT's -13.74%.

Which ETF is better, DRSK or PIT?

On 3-year performance, PIT leads with 18.65% vs 8.90% for DRSK. On fees, PIT is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, DRSK has been the lower-risk option at 2.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRSK or PIT?

Over the 3-year period, PIT has performed better with a 18.65% return vs 8.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRSK or PIT?

PIT is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

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

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 6.95%, compared with 3.65% for DRSK.

What is the main difference between DRSK and PIT?

DRSK is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DRSK and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.89), 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.