STOX vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

STOX vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STOX achieves a 9.22% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 14.09% return.

STOX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 9.22%
• 6M: 9.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 26.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STOX vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	9.22%	13.00%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.09%	9.87%

Correlation

The correlation between STOX and ESN is 0.72, 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 26, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

STOX vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

STOX

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

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 83
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

STOX vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	STOX	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.62	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.61	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.45	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.08	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.09	—

Drawdowns

STOX vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STOX drawdown since its inception was -9.33%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STOX and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	STOX	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.33%	-13.60%	+4.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-1.56%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-1.86%	+0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STOX	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.47%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	10.03%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.80%	13.31%	-0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.80%	13.31%	-0.51%

STOX vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both STOX and ESN have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

STOX vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

STOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than ESN's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.80%	0.91%	0.76%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STOX and ESN in my portfolio?

STOX and ESN have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STOX or ESN?

Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STOX or ESN?

STOX and ESN have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STOX or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.17% for STOX.

What is the main difference between STOX and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: Horizon and KKM Financial.