NELS vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

NELS vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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, NELS achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 26.02% return.

NELS

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -4.70%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 26.02%
• 6M: 29.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NELS vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NELS Nelson Select ETF	9.49%	2.42%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	26.02%	9.91%

Correlation

The correlation between NELS and AFOS is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

NELS vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NELS	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	3.75	-2.41

Drawdowns

NELS vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NELS	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-11.52%	+2.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-4.83%	+1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-1.38%	-0.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NELS	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	20.74%	-5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	20.74%	-5.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	20.74%	-5.94%

NELS vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

NELS vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

NELS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.24%	0.30%
NELS Nelson Select ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NELS and AFOS in my portfolio?

NELS and AFOS have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NELS or AFOS?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NELS or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.

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

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.00% for NELS.

What is the main difference between NELS and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.45% for AFOS.