SSPY vs. DFND

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SSPY (Stratified LargeCap Index ETF) and DFND (Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - SSPY tracks the Syntax Stratified LargeCap Index while DFND tracks the Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SSPY returned 20.61% vs 0.20% for DFND. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SSPY charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for DFND.

Performance

SSPY vs. DFND - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) and Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SSPY

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 10.14%
• 6M: 10.60%
• 1Y: 20.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFND

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 6M: -1.09%
• 1Y: 0.20%
• 3Y*: 7.91%
• 5Y*: 4.54%
• 10Y*: 7.16%

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

SSPY vs. DFND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SSPY Stratified LargeCap Index ETF	10.14%	12.88%	-0.90%
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.00%	10.37%	-7.68%

Correlation

The correlation between SSPY and DFND is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.14

SSPY vs. DFND - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSPY	DFND
Technology	17.8%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.0%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	12.1%	4.2%
Healthcare	11.8%	10.7%
Industrials	10.5%	17.1%
Financial Services	10.4%	18.2%
Energy	6.4%	1.7%
Communication Services	6.2%	0.8%
Utilities	5.9%	-
Real Estate	3.4%	2.0%
Basic Materials	2.6%	4.3%

Return for Risk

SSPY vs. DFND — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSPY

SSPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SSPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SSPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
SSPY Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SSPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SSPY Martin Ratio Rank: 61

DFND

DFND Risk / Return Rank: 9
DFND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DFND Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DFND Omega Ratio Rank: 8
DFND Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
DFND Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

SSPY vs. DFND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) and Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND). 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.

	SSPY	DFND	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	0.02	+1.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	0.11	+2.77
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.02	+0.33
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	0.07	+2.76
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	0.13	+10.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SSPY vs. DFND - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSPY Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the DFND Sharpe Ratio of 0.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSPY and DFND, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SSPY	DFND	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	0.02	+1.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.36	+0.56

Drawdowns

SSPY vs. DFND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSPY drawdown since its inception was -16.16%, smaller than the maximum DFND drawdown of -22.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSPY and DFND.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSPY	DFND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-22.65%	+6.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.32%	-3.44%	-3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.56%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.65%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-3.69%	+3.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.32%	-5.70%	+3.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	3.70%	-1.80%

Volatility

SSPY vs. DFND - Volatility Comparison

Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) has a higher volatility of 2.44% compared to Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND) at 0.00%. This indicates that SSPY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFND based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSPY	DFND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.44%	0.00%	+2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.62%	6.16%	+1.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.63%	10.92%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.55%	22.46%	-7.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.55%	19.09%	-4.54%

SSPY vs. DFND - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSPY has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than DFND's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSPY vs. DFND - Dividend Comparison

SSPY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, more than DFND's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFND Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF	0.62%	1.10%	1.64%	1.84%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.77%	0.53%	0.02%
SSPY Stratified LargeCap Index ETF	1.26%	1.38%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSPY and DFND in my portfolio?

SSPY and DFND have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SSPY or DFND?

SSPY has higher volatility (2.44%) compared to DFND (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSPY dropped -16.16% vs DFND's -22.65%.

Which ETF is better, SSPY or DFND?

On 1-year performance, SSPY leads with 20.61% vs 0.20% for DFND. On fees, SSPY is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, DFND has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSPY or DFND?

Over the 1-year period, SSPY has performed better with a 20.61% return vs 0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSPY or DFND?

SSPY is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for DFND.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SSPY or DFND?

SSPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.26%, compared with 0.62% for DFND.

What is the main difference between SSPY and DFND?

SSPY tracks Syntax Stratified LargeCap Index, while DFND tracks Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and SRN Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for SSPY and 1.50% for DFND.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.02), 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.