STXF vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

STXF (Strive 500 ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - STXF tracks the Bloomberg US Large Cap Index while ESN tracks the Essential 40 Stock Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, STXF returned 24.01% vs 26.32% for ESN. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

STXF vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive 500 ETF (STXF) 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, STXF achieves a 8.95% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 15.36% return.

STXF

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 6M: 9.14%
• 1Y: 24.01%
• 3Y*: 21.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 15.36%
• 6M: 14.97%
• 1Y: 26.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STXF vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
STXF Strive 500 ETF	8.95%	17.95%	0.92%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	15.36%	16.52%	-3.53%

Correlation

The correlation between STXF and ESN 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2024	0.76

The correlation between STXF and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STXF vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXF

STXF Risk / Return Rank: 62
STXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
STXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
STXF Omega Ratio Rank: 61
STXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
STXF Martin Ratio Rank: 69

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 87
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

STXF vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive 500 ETF (STXF) 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.

	STXF	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.66	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.71	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.46	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	4.12	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.44	16.26	-4.82

STXF vs. ESN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the ESN Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXF and ESN, 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

STXF vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXF drawdown since its inception was -19.00%, which is greater than ESN's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXF and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXF	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.00%	-13.60%	-5.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	-6.42%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	0.00%	-2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.30%	-1.87%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	1.62%	+0.49%

Volatility

STXF vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison

Strive 500 ETF (STXF) has a higher volatility of 4.41% compared to Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) at 3.16%. This indicates that STXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXF	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.41%	3.16%	+1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.02%	7.33%	+2.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.90%	9.94%	+2.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	13.31%	+2.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.15%	13.31%	+2.84%

STXF vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXF vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

STXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than ESN's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.79%	0.91%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%
STXF Strive 500 ETF	1.04%	1.05%	1.13%	1.21%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXF and ESN in my portfolio?

STXF and ESN 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 is riskier, STXF or ESN?

STXF has higher volatility (4.41%) compared to ESN (3.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXF dropped -19.00% vs ESN's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, STXF or ESN?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 26.32% vs 24.01% for STXF. On fees, STXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, ESN has been the lower-risk option at 3.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXF or ESN?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 26.32% return vs 24.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXF or ESN?

STXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

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

STXF has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.79% for ESN.

What is the main difference between STXF and ESN?

STXF tracks Bloomberg US Large Cap Index, while ESN tracks Essential 40 Stock Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and KKM Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for STXF and 0.70% for ESN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.87), 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.