AQEC vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

AQEC (AQE Core ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AQEC is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AQEC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

AQEC vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQE Core ETF (AQEC) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AQEC achieves a -2.15% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 15.17% return.

AQEC

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 6.52%
• 6M: -4.15%
• YTD: -2.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 1.40%
• 6M: 13.18%
• YTD: 15.17%
• 1Y: 27.98%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 11.61%
• 10Y*: —

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

AQEC vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	-2.15%	3.90%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.17%	4.08%

Correlation

The correlation between AQEC and RAFE is 0.60, 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 Nov 18, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

AQEC vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

AQEC

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

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 89
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 89
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

AQEC vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQE Core ETF (AQEC) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	AQEC	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.47	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.46	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.44	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.74	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.58	—

Drawdowns

AQEC vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQEC drawdown since its inception was -12.81%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQEC and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQEC	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.81%	-35.74%	+22.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.46%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.60%	-0.52%	-4.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.33%	-6.11%	+0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.91%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AQEC	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.19%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	11.32%	+1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.27%	15.06%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.27%	19.31%	-6.04%

AQEC vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AQEC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

AQEC vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

AQEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AQEC AQE Core ETF	0.92%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQEC and RAFE in my portfolio?

AQEC and RAFE have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AQEC or RAFE?

On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AQEC or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for AQEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AQEC or RAFE?

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.92% for AQEC.

What is the main difference between AQEC and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Arlington Asset Management and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AQEC and 0.30% for RAFE.