NSCR vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NSCR (Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.45% expense ratio.

Performance

NSCR vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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, NSCR achieves a -6.24% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 32.04% return.

NSCR

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -6.24%
• 6M: -6.10%
• 1Y: 7.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSCR vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	-6.24%	10.86%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	36.15%

Correlation

The correlation between NSCR and AFOS is 0.74, 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 27, 2025	0.74

Return for Risk

NSCR vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSCR

NSCR Risk / Return Rank: 18
NSCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
NSCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
NSCR Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NSCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
NSCR Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

NSCR vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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.

	NSCR	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.62	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.70	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NSCR	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	4.35	-3.81

Drawdowns

NSCR vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSCR drawdown since its inception was -20.75%, which is greater than AFOS's maximum drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSCR and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSCR	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.75%	-11.52%	-9.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.98%	-0.29%	-7.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-1.37%	-1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NSCR	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.25%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.81%	20.19%	-8.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.97%	20.19%	-4.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.97%	20.19%	-4.22%

NSCR vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NSCR and AFOS have an expense ratio of 0.45%.

Dividends

NSCR vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

NSCR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.34%, more than AFOS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%	0.00%
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	16.34%	1.92%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSCR and AFOS in my portfolio?

NSCR and AFOS have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NSCR or AFOS?

Both ETFs have the same 0.45% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSCR or AFOS?

NSCR and AFOS have the same expense ratio: 0.45% per year.

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

NSCR has the higher dividend yield at 16.34%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between NSCR and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and ARS Investment Partners.