AMLP vs. RFDA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while RFDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by SS&C. AMLP is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, AMLP returned 6.74%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for RFDA. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMLP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

AMLP vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMLP achieves a 18.74% return, which is significantly higher than RFDA's 13.64% return. Over the past 10 years, AMLP has underperformed RFDA with an annualized return of 6.74%, while RFDA has yielded a comparatively higher 13.49% annualized return.

AMLP

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: 2.99%
• 6M: 15.34%
• YTD: 18.74%
• 1Y: 19.21%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 18.25%
• 10Y*: 6.74%

RFDA

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 12.80%
• YTD: 13.64%
• 1Y: 24.28%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 13.49%

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

AMLP vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	18.74%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	25.47%	39.09%	-32.26%	5.99%	-12.67%	-7.89%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	13.64%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between AMLP and RFDA is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.48

Over the past year, the correlation between AMLP and RFDA has dropped to 0.12 - well below their long-term average of 0.48, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

AMLP vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMLP	RFDA
Energy	95.9%	11.7%
Industrials	2.1%	8.6%
Utilities	1.9%	4.8%
Financial Services	0.1%	14.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Communication Services	-	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.0%
Healthcare	-	9.7%
Real Estate	-	4.9%
Technology	-	21.1%

Return for Risk

AMLP vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 54
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 54
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 46

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 86
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

AMLP vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) 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.

	AMLP	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.11	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.91	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	4.48	-2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.04	15.88	-9.84

AMLP vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMLP Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMLP 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

AMLP vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMLP drawdown since its inception was -77.19%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMLP and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMLP	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.19%	-34.60%	-42.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-5.45%	-3.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.27%	-19.35%	+5.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	-19.35%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.62%	-34.60%	-38.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	0.00%	-2.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.32%	-3.72%	-13.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	1.53%	+1.66%

Volatility

AMLP vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) has a higher volatility of 5.24% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 2.41%. This indicates that AMLP'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

	AMLP	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	2.41%	+2.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.62%	8.76%	+0.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.50%	11.59%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.69%	15.74%	+3.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.65%	16.84%	+10.81%

AMLP vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMLP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMLP vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

AMLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.49%, more than RFDA's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.49%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.76%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMLP and RFDA in my portfolio?

AMLP and RFDA have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMLP or RFDA?

AMLP has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to RFDA (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMLP dropped -77.19% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, AMLP or RFDA?

On 10-year performance, RFDA leads with 13.49% vs 6.74% for AMLP. On fees, RFDA is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMLP or RFDA?

Over the 10-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 13.49% return vs 6.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMLP or RFDA?

RFDA is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

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

AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.49%, compared with 1.76% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between AMLP and RFDA?

AMLP is categorized as MLPs, while RFDA is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AMLP and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.55), 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.