ASLV vs. DFRA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASLV (Allspring Special Large Value ETF) and DFRA (Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. ASLV is actively managed, while DFRA is passively managed. Over the past year, ASLV returned 16.78% vs 15.09% for DFRA. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASLV charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for DFRA.

Performance

ASLV vs. DFRA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) and Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASLV achieves a 4.75% return, which is significantly lower than DFRA's 8.60% return.

ASLV

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 4.75%
• 6M: 4.40%
• 1Y: 16.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFRA

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 8.60%
• 6M: 8.04%
• 1Y: 15.09%
• 3Y*: 12.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASLV vs. DFRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASLV Allspring Special Large Value ETF	4.75%	14.10%
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	8.60%	4.44%

Correlation

The correlation between ASLV and DFRA is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 28, 2025	0.78

The correlation between ASLV and DFRA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ASLV vs. DFRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASLV

ASLV Risk / Return Rank: 41
ASLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
ASLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
ASLV Omega Ratio Rank: 39
ASLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
ASLV Martin Ratio Rank: 43

DFRA

DFRA Risk / Return Rank: 29
DFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
DFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 29
DFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
DFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

ASLV vs. DFRA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) and Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA). 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.

	ASLV	DFRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.03	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	1.47	+0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.19	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	1.30	+0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.83	4.50	+2.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ASLV vs. DFRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is higher than the DFRA Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASLV and DFRA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASLV	DFRA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.03	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.07	0.68	+0.40

Drawdowns

ASLV vs. DFRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASLV drawdown since its inception was -10.98%, smaller than the maximum DFRA drawdown of -19.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASLV and DFRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASLV	DFRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.98%	-19.35%	+8.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.69%	-11.64%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-7.31%	+5.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.75%	-3.96%	+2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	3.36%	-0.90%

Volatility

ASLV vs. DFRA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) is 3.14%, while Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) has a volatility of 4.52%. This indicates that ASLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASLV	DFRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	4.52%	-1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.26%	12.85%	-3.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.83%	14.70%	-2.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.26%	17.52%	-2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.26%	17.52%	-2.26%

ASLV vs. DFRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASLV has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DFRA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASLV vs. DFRA - Dividend Comparison

ASLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than DFRA's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ASLV Allspring Special Large Value ETF	0.83%	0.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	4.20%	2.86%	10.13%	4.70%	8.40%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASLV and DFRA in my portfolio?

ASLV and DFRA have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASLV or DFRA?

DFRA has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to ASLV (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASLV dropped -10.98% vs DFRA's -19.35%.

Which ETF is better, ASLV or DFRA?

On 1-year performance, ASLV leads with 16.78% vs 15.09% for DFRA. On fees, ASLV is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, ASLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASLV or DFRA?

Over the 1-year period, ASLV has performed better with a 16.78% return vs 15.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASLV or DFRA?

ASLV is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for DFRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASLV or DFRA?

DFRA has the higher dividend yield at 4.20%, compared with 0.83% for ASLV.

What is the main difference between ASLV and DFRA?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Donoghue Forlines. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for ASLV and 0.69% for DFRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.03), 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.