Quick Verdict

ACES has a lower expense ratio. ACES delivered stronger 1-year returns. HUSV offers more diversification with 101 holdings.

Lower Fees: ACESHigher Returns: ACESMore Diversified: HUSV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricACESHUSVWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.70%
AUM$109M$74M
Dividend Yield1.22%1.37%
Holdings38101
YTD Return-4.16%+8.58%
1Y Return+21.72%+5.89%
3Y Return (annualized)-8.79%+9.95%
5Y Return (annualized)-13.98%+6.22%
Volatility (annualized)35.4%13.2%
Max Drawdown-79.0%-35.7%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2018Aug 24, 2016

ACES vs HUSV Performance

ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while HUSV returned +5.89%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 8.58% for HUSV.

Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +9.95% for HUSV; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +6.22% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, HUSV has the edge at +8.52% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 13.2% for HUSV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for ACES and -35.7% for HUSV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ACES charges 0.55% per year while HUSV charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $70 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 1.37% for HUSV.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ACES and HUSV share 0 holdings out of 138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ACES or HUSV?

ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while HUSV charges 0.70%. ACES is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ACES or HUSV?

Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +5.89% for HUSV, so ACES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +8.52% for HUSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ACES or HUSV?

ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs HUSV -35.7%.

Should I hold both ACES and HUSV?

ACES and HUSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ACES and HUSV?

ACES and HUSV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or HUSV?

ACES yields 1.22% while HUSV yields 1.37%, so HUSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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