VNSE vs. AFOS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VNSE (Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past year, VNSE returned 15.62% vs 67.10% for AFOS. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VNSE charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

VNSE vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) 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, VNSE achieves a 8.06% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 27.19% return.

VNSE

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -0.54%
• 6M: 5.50%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 1Y: 15.62%
• 3Y*: 12.21%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -4.38%
• 6M: 18.66%
• YTD: 27.19%
• 1Y: 67.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VNSE vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	8.06%	9.69%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	27.19%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VNSE and AFOS is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.83

The correlation between VNSE and AFOS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VNSE vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNSE

VNSE Risk / Return Rank: 36
VNSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VNSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VNSE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VNSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VNSE Martin Ratio Rank: 40

AFOS

AFOS Risk / Return Rank: 94
AFOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
AFOS Omega Ratio Rank: 92
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.

VNSE vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) 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.

	VNSE	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	3.03	-1.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	3.72	-2.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.49	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	5.86	-4.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.16	24.92	-19.76

VNSE vs. AFOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is lower than the AFOS Sharpe Ratio of 3.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNSE and AFOS, 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

VNSE vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNSE drawdown since its inception was -24.21%, which is greater than AFOS's maximum drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNSE and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNSE	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.21%	-11.52%	-12.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.89%	-11.52%	-0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.82%	-7.02%	+5.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.45%	-1.58%	-3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	2.70%	+0.33%

Volatility

VNSE vs. AFOS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) is 3.71%, while ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) has a volatility of 7.83%. This indicates that VNSE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AFOS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VNSE	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	7.83%	-4.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	18.52%	-7.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.36%	22.26%	-7.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.32%	21.80%	-4.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	21.80%	-4.68%

VNSE vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VNSE has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VNSE vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

VNSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%, less than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	0.20%	0.21%	0.00%	0.21%	7.01%	19.65%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VNSE and AFOS in my portfolio?

VNSE and AFOS have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VNSE or AFOS?

AFOS has higher volatility (7.83%) compared to VNSE (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNSE dropped -24.21% vs AFOS's -11.52%.

Which ETF is better, VNSE or AFOS?

On 1-year performance, AFOS leads with 67.10% vs 15.62% for VNSE. On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, VNSE has been the lower-risk option at 3.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VNSE or AFOS?

Over the 1-year period, AFOS has performed better with a 67.10% return vs 15.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VNSE or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for VNSE.

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

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.23%, compared with 0.20% for VNSE.

What is the main difference between VNSE and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Natixis and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for VNSE and 0.45% for AFOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 1.09), 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.