EQL vs. BTR

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

EQL (ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF) and BTR (Beacon Tactical Risk ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. EQL is passively managed, while BTR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, EQL returned 14.59%/yr vs 4.17%/yr for BTR. Their correlation of 0.84 means they have usually moved in the same direction. EQL charges 0.27%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BTR.

Performance

EQL vs. BTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) and Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQL achieves a 10.71% return, which is significantly higher than BTR's 9.64% return.

EQL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.31%
• 6M: 6.82%
• YTD: 10.71%
• 1Y: 18.34%
• 3Y*: 14.59%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: 12.39%
• ALL TIME*: 13.49%

BTR

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -0.14%
• 6M: 5.82%
• YTD: 9.64%
• 1Y: 17.44%
• 3Y*: 4.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.20%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	$78.21K	$71.52K	$93.67K
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	$3.33M	$2.84M	$2.70M

EQL vs. BTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	10.71%	13.09%	16.44%	10.31%
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	9.64%	-2.15%	14.45%	-6.78%

Correlation

The correlation between EQL and BTR is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2023	0.84

The correlation between EQL and BTR shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (all time) to 0.97 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EQL vs. BTR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQL	BTR
Technology	10.2%	12.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.4%
Healthcare	9.4%	9.5%
Utilities	9.4%	8.7%
Industrials	9.3%	9.5%
Financial Services	9.1%	7.5%
Communication Services	8.9%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.8%	7.9%
Energy	8.7%	10.0%
Real Estate	8.7%	8.4%
Basic Materials	8.0%	8.2%

Return for Risk

EQL vs. BTR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

EQL

EQL Risk / Return Rank: 79
EQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
EQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EQL Omega Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EQL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

BTR

BTR Risk / Return Rank: 74
BTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
BTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BTR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
BTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
BTR Martin Ratio Rank: 79

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

EQL vs. BTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) and Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR). 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.

	EQL	BTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.66	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.33	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	2.61	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.89	10.17	+0.72

EQL vs. BTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQL Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the BTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQL and BTR, 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

EQL vs. BTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQL drawdown since its inception was -35.65%, which is greater than BTR's maximum drawdown of -16.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQL and BTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQL	BTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.65%	-16.67%	-18.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.19%	-6.23%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.07%	-16.67%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.67%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.23%	-5.34%	+2.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.58%	1.60%	-0.02%

Volatility

EQL vs. BTR - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) and Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) have volatilities of 2.23% and 2.20%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQL	BTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.23%	2.20%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.03%	7.15%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.50%	9.86%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.51%	10.80%	+3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.49%	10.80%	+5.69%

EQL vs. BTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQL has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than BTR's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQL vs. BTR - Dividend Comparison

EQL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than BTR's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	1.17%	1.29%	0.87%	0.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	1.35%	1.73%	1.78%	1.96%	2.14%	1.69%	2.29%	1.95%	2.39%	1.97%	2.89%	2.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQL and BTR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, EQL and BTR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, EQL or BTR?

EQL has higher volatility (2.23%) compared to BTR (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQL dropped -35.65% vs BTR's -16.67%.

Which ETF is better, EQL or BTR?

On 3-year performance, EQL leads with 14.59% vs 4.17% for BTR. On fees, EQL is cheaper at 0.27% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQL or BTR?

Over the 3-year period, EQL has performed better with a 14.59% return vs 4.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQL or BTR?

EQL is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQL or BTR?

EQL has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.17% for BTR.

What is the main difference between EQL and BTR?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and American Beacon. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for EQL and 1.10% for BTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.66), 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.