VCOB vs. AFOS

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VCOB (Voya Core Bond ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCOB is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by Voya, while AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCOB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

VCOB vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Voya Core Bond ETF (VCOB) 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, VCOB achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 31.59% return.

VCOB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.03%
• 6M: -1.36%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 4.27%
• 6M: 26.78%
• YTD: 31.59%
• 1Y: 74.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCOB vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VCOB Voya Core Bond ETF	-1.32%	0.35%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	31.59%	7.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VCOB and AFOS is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.33

Return for Risk

VCOB vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCOB

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

AFOS

AFOS Risk / Return Rank: 95
AFOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
AFOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AFOS Omega Ratio Rank: 94
AFOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

VCOB vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Voya Core Bond ETF (VCOB) 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.

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.

	VCOB	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.39	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.55	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.48	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	28.69	—

Drawdowns

VCOB vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCOB drawdown since its inception was -3.27%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCOB and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCOB	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.27%	-11.52%	+8.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.64%	-3.80%	+1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.39%	-1.51%	+0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VCOB	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.42%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	22.00%	-18.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.87%	21.74%	-17.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.87%	21.74%	-17.87%

VCOB vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCOB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCOB vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

VCOB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, more than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%
VCOB Voya Core Bond ETF	0.50%	0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCOB and AFOS in my portfolio?

VCOB and AFOS have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VCOB or AFOS?

On fees, VCOB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCOB or AFOS?

VCOB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

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

VCOB has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.23% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between VCOB and AFOS?

VCOB is categorized as Actively Managed, while AFOS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Voya and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VCOB and 0.45% for AFOS.