GSEW vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GSEW (Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GSEW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

GSEW vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSEW achieves a 9.79% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 30.38% return.

GSEW

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 8.33%
• 1Y: 16.57%
• 3Y*: 17.13%
• 5Y*: 8.39%
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 30.38%
• 6M: 28.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GSEW vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	9.79%	7.06%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	30.38%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between GSEW and AFOS is 0.64, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

GSEW vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSEW

GSEW Risk / Return Rank: 45
GSEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
GSEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GSEW Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GSEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
GSEW Martin Ratio Rank: 53

AFOS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

GSEW vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

	GSEW	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.17	—	—

Drawdowns

GSEW vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSEW drawdown since its inception was -38.65%, which is greater than AFOS's maximum drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSEW and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSEW	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.65%	-11.52%	-27.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.55%	-4.68%	+3.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.86%	-1.43%	-4.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GSEW	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.46%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.43%	21.51%	-9.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.96%	21.51%	-4.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.17%	21.51%	-2.34%

GSEW vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSEW has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSEW vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

GSEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, more than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	1.06%	1.52%	1.46%	1.64%	1.74%	1.34%	1.53%	1.66%	1.56%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSEW and AFOS in my portfolio?

GSEW and AFOS have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GSEW or AFOS?

On fees, GSEW is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSEW or AFOS?

GSEW is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSEW or AFOS?

GSEW has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.23% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between GSEW and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for GSEW and 0.45% for AFOS.