DRSK vs. SPLS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) and SPLS (PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRSK charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for SPLS.

Performance

DRSK vs. SPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DRSK

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

SPLS

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 4.63%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DRSK vs. SPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	4.36%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	9.75%

Correlation

The correlation between DRSK and SPLS is 0.76, 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 Jan 20, 2026	0.76

Return for Risk

DRSK vs. SPLS — 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

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. SPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). 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	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.89	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DRSK	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	1.88	-1.08

Drawdowns

DRSK vs. SPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRSK drawdown since its inception was -19.87%, which is greater than SPLS's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRSK and SPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRSK	SPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-9.24%	-10.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.31%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.21%	-1.84%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DRSK	SPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.19%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.26%	14.94%	-6.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.39%	14.94%	-7.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.06%	14.94%	-7.88%

DRSK vs. SPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRSK has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than SPLS's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRSK vs. SPLS - Dividend Comparison

DRSK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, more than SPLS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.61%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRSK and SPLS in my portfolio?

DRSK and SPLS have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DRSK or SPLS?

On fees, SPLS is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRSK or SPLS?

SPLS is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

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

DRSK has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 0.22% for SPLS.

What is the main difference between DRSK and SPLS?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DRSK and 0.18% for SPLS.