DRSK vs. TAIL

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) and TAIL (Cambria Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DRSK is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Aptus Capital Advisors, while TAIL is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund actively managed by Cambria. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DRSK returned 2.53%/yr vs -8.65%/yr for TAIL. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. DRSK charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for TAIL.

Performance

DRSK vs. TAIL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRSK achieves a 2.81% return, which is significantly higher than TAIL's -7.25% return.

DRSK

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -0.33%
• 6M: 2.23%
• YTD: 2.81%
• 1Y: 5.60%
• 3Y*: 8.89%
• 5Y*: 2.53%
• 10Y*: —

TAIL

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.56%
• 6M: -6.93%
• YTD: -7.25%
• 1Y: -8.63%
• 3Y*: -4.98%
• 5Y*: -8.65%
• 10Y*: —

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

DRSK vs. TAIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	2.81%	7.67%	12.50%	2.08%	-9.57%	0.88%	13.80%	12.64%	2.36%
TAIL Cambria Tail Risk ETF	-7.25%	5.48%	-9.62%	-13.29%	-13.13%	-12.81%	6.91%	-14.27%	13.40%

Correlation

The correlation between DRSK and TAIL is -0.20, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2018	-0.12

The correlation between DRSK and TAIL shifts across timeframes, from -0.20 (1 year) to -0.07 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DRSK vs. TAIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRSK

DRSK Risk / Return Rank: 21
DRSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DRSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DRSK Omega Ratio Rank: 20
DRSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
DRSK Martin Ratio Rank: 20

TAIL

TAIL Risk / Return Rank: 2
TAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
TAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
TAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
TAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
TAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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. TAIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL). 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	TAIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	-1.03	+1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.06	-1.46	+2.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	0.83	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.72	-0.74	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.84	-1.60	+3.44

DRSK vs. TAIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRSK Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is higher than the TAIL Sharpe Ratio of -1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRSK and TAIL, 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. TAIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRSK drawdown since its inception was -19.87%, smaller than the maximum TAIL drawdown of -52.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRSK and TAIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRSK	TAIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-52.36%	+32.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.20%	-11.85%	+4.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.60%	-21.45%	+11.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	-38.44%	+18.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	-52.11%	+49.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.18%	-29.35%	+25.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	5.44%	-2.61%

Volatility

DRSK vs. TAIL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is 1.57%, while Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) has a volatility of 2.19%. This indicates that DRSK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TAIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRSK	TAIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.57%	2.19%	-0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.10%	6.69%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.84%	8.52%	-0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.43%	14.89%	-7.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.05%	14.88%	-7.83%

DRSK vs. TAIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRSK has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than TAIL's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRSK vs. TAIL - Dividend Comparison

DRSK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, more than TAIL's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.69%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%	0.00%
TAIL Cambria Tail Risk ETF	2.96%	2.88%	3.48%	3.74%	1.50%	0.49%	0.36%	1.58%	1.52%	0.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRSK and TAIL in my portfolio?

DRSK and TAIL have a correlation of -0.20, 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 TAIL?

TAIL has higher volatility (2.19%) compared to DRSK (1.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRSK dropped -19.87% vs TAIL's -52.36%.

Which ETF is better, DRSK or TAIL?

On 5-year performance, DRSK leads with 2.53% vs -8.65% for TAIL. On fees, TAIL is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, DRSK has been the lower-risk option at 1.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRSK or TAIL?

Over the 5-year period, DRSK has performed better with a 2.53% return vs -8.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRSK or TAIL?

TAIL is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

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

DRSK has the higher dividend yield at 3.69%, compared with 2.96% for TAIL.

What is the main difference between DRSK and TAIL?

DRSK is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while TAIL is Volatility Hedged Equity. They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DRSK and 0.59% for TAIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRSK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.67 vs -1.03), 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.