AVIE vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

AVIE (Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AVIE is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVIE returned 13.32%/yr vs 18.54%/yr for RAFE. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVIE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

AVIE vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE) 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, AVIE achieves a 16.28% return, which is significantly higher than RAFE's 15.05% return.

AVIE

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.10%
• 6M: 13.30%
• YTD: 16.28%
• 1Y: 25.47%
• 3Y*: 13.32%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.02%
• 6M: 13.19%
• YTD: 15.05%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVIE vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVIE Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF	16.28%	11.37%	6.17%	4.19%	15.20%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.05%	17.60%	13.81%	18.80%	7.47%

Correlation

The correlation between AVIE and RAFE is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2022	0.68

The correlation between AVIE and RAFE shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AVIE vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVIE

AVIE Risk / Return Rank: 91
AVIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
AVIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
AVIE Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AVIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVIE Martin Ratio Rank: 90

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 88
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 88
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

AVIE vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE) 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.

	AVIE	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	2.42	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	3.39	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.43	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.15	3.68	+1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.27	14.34	+1.93

AVIE vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVIE Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVIE and RAFE, 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

AVIE vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVIE drawdown since its inception was -12.39%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVIE and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVIE	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.39%	-35.74%	+23.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.97%	-7.46%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.39%	-16.36%	+3.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-0.62%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.97%	-6.12%	+3.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.58%	1.91%	-0.33%

Volatility

AVIE vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF (AVIE) has a higher volatility of 3.73% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 2.40%. This indicates that AVIE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RAFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVIE	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	2.40%	+1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.50%	8.61%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.21%	11.34%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.90%	15.07%	-2.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.90%	19.32%	-6.42%

AVIE vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVIE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVIE vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

AVIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AVIE Avantis Inflation Focused Equity ETF	1.43%	1.75%	1.89%	3.72%	0.39%	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 AVIE and RAFE in my portfolio?

AVIE and RAFE have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVIE or RAFE?

AVIE has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to RAFE (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVIE dropped -12.39% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, AVIE or RAFE?

On 3-year performance, RAFE leads with 18.54% vs 13.32% for AVIE. On fees, AVIE is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 2.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVIE or RAFE?

Over the 3-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 18.54% return vs 13.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVIE or RAFE?

AVIE is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for RAFE.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 1.43% for AVIE.

What is the main difference between AVIE and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVIE and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVIE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 2.42), 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.