AFLG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

AFLG (First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. AFLG is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, AFLG returned 12.71%/yr vs 12.87%/yr for RFDA. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFLG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

AFLG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AFLG having a 12.41% return and RFDA slightly higher at 12.89%.

AFLG

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -0.07%
• 6M: 9.77%
• YTD: 12.41%
• 1Y: 21.95%
• 3Y*: 20.53%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: 12.47%
• YTD: 12.89%
• 1Y: 23.28%
• 3Y*: 17.99%
• 5Y*: 12.87%
• 10Y*: 13.41%

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

AFLG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFLG First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF	12.41%	14.23%	27.02%	20.10%	-16.41%	27.29%	10.31%	2.58%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	12.89%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AFLG and RFDA is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.90

The correlation between AFLG and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AFLG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AFLG	RFDA
Technology	38.8%	21.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	7.4%
Communication Services	9.7%	8.3%
Financial Services	9.4%	14.4%
Industrials	8.3%	8.6%
Healthcare	6.4%	9.7%
Energy	4.4%	11.7%
Utilities	3.6%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.4%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	7.0%
Real Estate	2.7%	4.9%

Return for Risk

AFLG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFLG

AFLG Risk / Return Rank: 71
AFLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
AFLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AFLG Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AFLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
AFLG Martin Ratio Rank: 77

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 83
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 80
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

AFLG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	AFLG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.02	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.80	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.38	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	4.29	-1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.61	15.21	-3.60

AFLG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFLG and RFDA, 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

AFLG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFLG drawdown since its inception was -35.84%, roughly equal to the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFLG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFLG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.84%	-34.60%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.19%	-5.45%	-2.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.49%	-19.35%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.48%	-19.35%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.66%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.64%	-3.71%	-1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	1.53%	+0.36%

Volatility

AFLG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) has a higher volatility of 2.98% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 2.32%. This indicates that AFLG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFLG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.98%	2.32%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.41%	8.80%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.90%	11.59%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	15.74%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.10%	16.84%	+2.26%

AFLG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFLG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFLG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

AFLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, less than RFDA's 1.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
AFLG First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF	0.71%	0.84%	0.53%	1.53%	1.52%	0.93%	1.28%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.77%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFLG and RFDA in my portfolio?

AFLG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFLG or RFDA?

AFLG has higher volatility (2.98%) compared to RFDA (2.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFLG dropped -35.84% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, AFLG or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, RFDA leads with 12.87% vs 12.71% for AFLG. On fees, RFDA is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFLG or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 12.87% return vs 12.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFLG or RFDA?

RFDA is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for AFLG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFLG or RFDA?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 0.71% for AFLG.

What is the main difference between AFLG and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for AFLG and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.86), 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.