VEMY vs. DRSK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VEMY (Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) and DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEMY is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while DRSK is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Aptus Capital Advisors. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VEMY returned 15.11%/yr vs 9.02%/yr for DRSK. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEMY charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DRSK.

Performance

VEMY vs. DRSK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) and Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEMY achieves a 6.35% return, which is significantly higher than DRSK's 2.54% return.

VEMY

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 6.44%
• 1Y: 17.80%
• 3Y*: 15.11%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DRSK

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.69%
• YTD: 2.54%
• 6M: 1.74%
• 1Y: 6.97%
• 3Y*: 9.02%
• 5Y*: 2.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

VEMY vs. DRSK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.35%	15.27%	13.48%	14.45%	-1.43%
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	2.54%	7.67%	12.50%	2.08%	-0.79%

Correlation

The correlation between VEMY and DRSK is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2022	0.55

The correlation between VEMY and DRSK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VEMY vs. DRSK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEMY

VEMY Risk / Return Rank: 91
VEMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VEMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VEMY Omega Ratio Rank: 93
VEMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VEMY Martin Ratio Rank: 92

DRSK

DRSK Risk / Return Rank: 23
DRSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
DRSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DRSK Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DRSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DRSK Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

VEMY vs. DRSK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) and Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK). 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.

	VEMY	DRSK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	0.84	+2.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.53	1.31	+3.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.15	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.46	0.97	+3.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.16	2.48	+18.68

VEMY vs. DRSK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEMY Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is higher than the DRSK Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEMY and DRSK, 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

VEMY vs. DRSK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEMY drawdown since its inception was -8.77%, smaller than the maximum DRSK drawdown of -19.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEMY and DRSK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEMY	DRSK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-19.87%	+11.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.00%	-7.20%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.57%	-9.60%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-2.39%	+1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.29%	-4.20%	+2.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	2.82%	-1.98%

Volatility

VEMY vs. DRSK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) is 1.42%, while Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) has a volatility of 2.37%. This indicates that VEMY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DRSK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEMY	DRSK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	2.37%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.75%	5.27%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.09%	8.36%	-2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.61%	7.43%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.61%	7.06%	+0.55%

VEMY vs. DRSK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEMY has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than DRSK's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEMY vs. DRSK - Dividend Comparison

VEMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.21%, more than DRSK's 3.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.67%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	8.21%	8.89%	10.28%	9.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEMY and DRSK in my portfolio?

VEMY and DRSK have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEMY or DRSK?

DRSK has higher volatility (2.37%) compared to VEMY (1.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEMY dropped -8.77% vs DRSK's -19.87%.

Which ETF is better, VEMY or DRSK?

On 3-year performance, VEMY leads with 15.11% vs 9.02% for DRSK. On fees, VEMY is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, VEMY has been the lower-risk option at 1.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEMY or DRSK?

Over the 3-year period, VEMY has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 9.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEMY or DRSK?

VEMY is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEMY or DRSK?

VEMY has the higher dividend yield at 8.21%, compared with 3.67% for DRSK.

What is the main difference between VEMY and DRSK?

VEMY is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while DRSK is Diversified Portfolio. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for VEMY and 0.79% for DRSK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 0.84), 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.