ASMF vs. RONB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASMF (Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF) and RONB (Baron First Principles ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASMF is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Virtus, while RONB is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital. Both are actively managed. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ASMF charges 0.80%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for RONB.

Performance

ASMF vs. RONB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF (ASMF) and Baron First Principles ETF (RONB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASMF achieves a 9.39% return, which is significantly higher than RONB's -3.75% return.

ASMF

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 1.73%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 11.45%
• 1Y: 17.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RONB

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: -3.75%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASMF vs. RONB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASMF Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF	9.39%	1.15%
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	-3.75%	-0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between ASMF and RONB is 0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2025	0.10

Return for Risk

ASMF vs. RONB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASMF

ASMF Risk / Return Rank: 51
ASMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
ASMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
ASMF Omega Ratio Rank: 46
ASMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
ASMF Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

ASMF vs. RONB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF (ASMF) and Baron First Principles ETF (RONB). 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.

	ASMF	RONB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.07	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASMF	RONB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	-0.51	+0.81

Drawdowns

ASMF vs. RONB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASMF drawdown since its inception was -15.31%, which is greater than RONB's maximum drawdown of -13.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASMF and RONB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASMF	RONB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.31%	-13.08%	-2.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-5.80%	+4.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.61%	-6.33%	-1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASMF	RONB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.59%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.28%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.16%	16.85%	-5.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.97%	16.85%	-5.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.97%	16.85%	-5.88%

ASMF vs. RONB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASMF has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than RONB's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASMF vs. RONB - Dividend Comparison

ASMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%, while RONB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ASMF Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures ETF	0.20%	0.22%	1.66%
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASMF and RONB in my portfolio?

ASMF and RONB have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASMF or RONB?

On fees, ASMF is cheaper at 0.80% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASMF or RONB?

ASMF is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for RONB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASMF or RONB?

ASMF has the higher dividend yield at 0.20%, compared with 0.00% for RONB.

What is the main difference between ASMF and RONB?

ASMF is categorized as Systematic Trend, while RONB is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Baron Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for ASMF and 1.00% for RONB.