IDUB vs. DEFR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IDUB (Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF) and DEFR (Aptus Deferred Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDUB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by Aptus, while DEFR is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Aptus. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, IDUB returned 31.78% vs 4.41% for DEFR. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IDUB charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DEFR.

Performance

IDUB vs. DEFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) and Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDUB achieves a 14.34% return, which is significantly higher than DEFR's -0.56% return.

IDUB

• 1D: -2.69%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 14.34%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.78%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DEFR

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: -0.56%
• 6M: -0.26%
• 1Y: 4.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDUB vs. DEFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	14.34%	16.77%
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	-0.56%	6.80%

Correlation

The correlation between IDUB and DEFR is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

IDUB vs. DEFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDUB

IDUB Risk / Return Rank: 63
IDUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
IDUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IDUB Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IDUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IDUB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DEFR

DEFR Risk / Return Rank: 24
DEFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
DEFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
DEFR Omega Ratio Rank: 24
DEFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
DEFR Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

IDUB vs. DEFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) and Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR). 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.

	IDUB	DEFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	0.86	+1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.24	+1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.15	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	1.14	+1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	2.89	+8.03

IDUB vs. DEFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDUB Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the DEFR Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDUB and DEFR, 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

IDUB vs. DEFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDUB drawdown since its inception was -29.20%, which is greater than DEFR's maximum drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDUB and DEFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDUB	DEFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.20%	-3.90%	-25.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.46%	-3.90%	-7.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.88%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.69%	-2.85%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.06%	-1.01%	-10.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	1.53%	+1.39%

Volatility

IDUB vs. DEFR - Volatility Comparison

Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) has a higher volatility of 6.55% compared to Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) at 1.57%. This indicates that IDUB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DEFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDUB	DEFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	1.57%	+4.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.22%	3.49%	+10.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.44%	5.17%	+11.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	5.34%	+9.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	5.34%	+9.46%

IDUB vs. DEFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDUB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than DEFR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDUB vs. DEFR - Dividend Comparison

IDUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.06%, while DEFR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	5.06%	4.90%	5.64%	3.71%	2.62%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDUB and DEFR in my portfolio?

IDUB and DEFR have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDUB or DEFR?

IDUB has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to DEFR (1.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDUB dropped -29.20% vs DEFR's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, IDUB or DEFR?

On 1-year performance, IDUB leads with 31.78% vs 4.41% for DEFR. On fees, IDUB is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, DEFR 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, IDUB or DEFR?

Over the 1-year period, IDUB has performed better with a 31.78% return vs 4.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDUB or DEFR?

IDUB is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DEFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDUB or DEFR?

IDUB has the higher dividend yield at 5.06%, compared with 0.00% for DEFR.

What is the main difference between IDUB and DEFR?

IDUB is categorized as Long-Short, while DEFR is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for IDUB and 0.79% for DEFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.86), 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.