XCHG vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XCHG (AB US Equity ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XCHG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

XCHG vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US Equity ETF (XCHG) 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, XCHG achieves a 6.97% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 32.04% return.

XCHG

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 6.97%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XCHG vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XCHG AB US Equity ETF	6.97%	0.30%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	1.72%

Correlation

The correlation between XCHG and AFOS is 0.76, 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 Dec 16, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

XCHG vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US Equity ETF (XCHG) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XCHG	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	4.35	-3.08

Drawdowns

XCHG vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XCHG drawdown since its inception was -9.66%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XCHG and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	XCHG	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.66%	-11.52%	+1.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-0.29%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.88%	-1.37%	-0.51%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XCHG	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.12%	20.19%	-7.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	20.19%	-7.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	20.19%	-7.07%

XCHG vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

XCHG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

XCHG vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

XCHG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, which matches AFOS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
XCHG AB US Equity ETF	0.22%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XCHG and AFOS in my portfolio?

XCHG and AFOS have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XCHG or AFOS?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XCHG or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for XCHG.

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

XCHG and AFOS have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.22%.

What is the main difference between XCHG and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for XCHG and 0.45% for AFOS.