AFSM vs. RB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AFSM (First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. AFSM is actively managed, while RB is passively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFSM charges 0.77%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

AFSM vs. RB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFSM achieves a 20.52% return, which is significantly higher than RB's 8.33% return.

AFSM

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.71%
• YTD: 20.52%
• 6M: 17.89%
• 1Y: 35.47%
• 3Y*: 19.05%
• 5Y*: 9.11%
• 10Y*: —

RB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 8.33%
• 6M: 8.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFSM vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	20.52%	12.37%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	8.33%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSM and RB 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

AFSM vs. RB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSM

AFSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
AFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
AFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

RB

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

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.

AFSM vs. RB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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.

	AFSM	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	—	—

Drawdowns

AFSM vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSM drawdown since its inception was -43.54%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -2.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSM and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSM	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.54%	-2.09%	-41.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.14%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-0.43%	-8.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFSM	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.98%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.86%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.37%	6.55%	+11.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.89%	6.55%	+14.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.37%	6.55%	+18.82%

AFSM vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSM has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is higher than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSM vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

AFSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than RB's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	0.45%	0.58%	0.58%	0.92%	1.28%	0.35%	0.53%	0.32%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	1.97%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSM and RB in my portfolio?

AFSM and RB 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, AFSM or RB?

On fees, RB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSM or RB?

RB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.77% for AFSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFSM or RB?

RB has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 0.45% for AFSM.

What is the main difference between AFSM and RB?

AFSM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.77% for AFSM and 0.58% for RB.