JUCY vs. DEFR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JUCY (Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF) and DEFR (Aptus Deferred Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JUCY is a Intermediate Core Bond 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, JUCY returned 7.03% vs 4.83% for DEFR. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JUCY charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DEFR.

Performance

JUCY vs. DEFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF (JUCY) 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, JUCY achieves a 2.71% return, which is significantly higher than DEFR's -0.46% return.

JUCY

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 2.71%
• 6M: 2.71%
• 1Y: 7.03%
• 3Y*: 4.45%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DEFR

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: -0.46%
• 6M: -0.61%
• 1Y: 4.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JUCY vs. DEFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JUCY Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF	2.71%	4.96%
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	-0.46%	6.80%

Correlation

The correlation between JUCY and DEFR is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	0.36

Return for Risk

JUCY vs. DEFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

JUCY

JUCY Risk / Return Rank: 77
JUCY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
JUCY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
JUCY Omega Ratio Rank: 68
JUCY Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
JUCY Martin Ratio Rank: 95

DEFR

DEFR Risk / Return Rank: 26
DEFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
DEFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DEFR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DEFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DEFR Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

JUCY vs. DEFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF (JUCY) 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.

	JUCY	DEFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	0.94	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	1.35	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.17	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.53	1.25	+6.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.57	3.19	+26.38

JUCY vs. DEFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JUCY Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the DEFR Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JUCY 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

JUCY vs. DEFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JUCY drawdown since its inception was -1.56%, smaller than the maximum DEFR drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JUCY and DEFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	JUCY	DEFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.56%	-3.90%	+2.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.94%	-3.90%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-2.76%	+2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.32%	-1.01%	+0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.24%	1.52%	-1.28%

Volatility

JUCY vs. DEFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF (JUCY) is 1.23%, while Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) has a volatility of 1.56%. This indicates that JUCY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JUCY	DEFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	1.56%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.40%	3.50%	-1.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.59%	5.18%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.36%	5.35%	-1.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.36%	5.35%	-1.99%

JUCY vs. DEFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

JUCY has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than DEFR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

JUCY vs. DEFR - Dividend Comparison

JUCY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.25%, while DEFR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DEFR Aptus Deferred Income ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JUCY Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF	8.25%	7.98%	7.83%	9.31%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JUCY and DEFR in my portfolio?

JUCY and DEFR have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JUCY or DEFR?

DEFR has higher volatility (1.56%) compared to JUCY (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JUCY dropped -1.56% vs DEFR's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, JUCY or DEFR?

On 1-year performance, JUCY leads with 7.03% vs 4.83% for DEFR. On fees, JUCY is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, JUCY has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JUCY or DEFR?

Over the 1-year period, JUCY has performed better with a 7.03% return vs 4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JUCY or DEFR?

JUCY is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DEFR.

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

JUCY has the higher dividend yield at 8.25%, compared with 0.00% for DEFR.

What is the main difference between JUCY and DEFR?

JUCY is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while DEFR is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for JUCY and 0.79% for DEFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JUCY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 0.94), 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.