BTAL vs. TRFM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BTAL (AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund) and TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTAL is a Equity Market Neutral fund actively managed by AGF, while TRFM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross. BTAL is actively managed, while TRFM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BTAL returned -9.69%/yr vs 26.26%/yr for TRFM. At a correlation of -0.81, they often move in opposite directions. BTAL charges 1.40%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for TRFM.

Performance

BTAL vs. TRFM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) and AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTAL achieves a -17.58% return, which is significantly lower than TRFM's 25.44% return.

BTAL

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 3.22%
• 6M: -14.80%
• YTD: -17.58%
• 1Y: -28.86%
• 3Y*: -9.69%
• 5Y*: -4.64%
• 10Y*: -4.85%

TRFM

• 1D: -2.21%
• 1M: 0.04%
• 6M: 18.22%
• YTD: 25.44%
• 1Y: 39.81%
• 3Y*: 26.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTAL vs. TRFM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	-17.58%	-20.17%	12.83%	-15.11%	1.14%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	25.44%	25.76%	19.96%	44.71%	-9.92%

Correlation

The correlation between BTAL and TRFM is -0.86, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 12, 2022	-0.81

The correlation between BTAL and TRFM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.86 to -0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BTAL vs. TRFM — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTAL

BTAL Risk / Return Rank: 1
BTAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BTAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
BTAL Omega Ratio Rank: 1
BTAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTAL Martin Ratio Rank: 1

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 63
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BTAL vs. TRFM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) and AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM). 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.

	BTAL	TRFM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.25	1.61	-2.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.85	2.13	-3.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.27	-0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.84	3.08	-3.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.61	9.81	-11.41

BTAL vs. TRFM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTAL Sharpe Ratio is -1.25, which is lower than the TRFM Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTAL and TRFM, 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

BTAL vs. TRFM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTAL drawdown since its inception was -52.70%, which is greater than TRFM's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTAL and TRFM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTAL	TRFM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.70%	-28.40%	-24.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.61%	-12.99%	-21.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-47.83%	-28.40%	-19.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.83%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.63%	-5.38%	-43.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.15%	-6.54%	-15.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.00%	4.07%	+13.93%

Volatility

BTAL vs. TRFM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) is 8.77%, while AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a volatility of 9.67%. This indicates that BTAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TRFM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTAL	TRFM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.77%	9.67%	-0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.19%	20.27%	-3.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.28%	24.93%	-1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.23%	27.28%	-8.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	27.28%	-9.92%

BTAL vs. TRFM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTAL has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than TRFM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTAL vs. TRFM - Dividend Comparison

BTAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.02%, more than TRFM's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	3.02%	2.49%	3.49%	6.14%	1.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.88%	0.39%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.14%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTAL and TRFM in my portfolio?

BTAL and TRFM have a correlation of -0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTAL or TRFM?

TRFM has higher volatility (9.67%) compared to BTAL (8.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTAL dropped -52.70% vs TRFM's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, BTAL or TRFM?

On 3-year performance, TRFM leads with 26.26% vs -9.69% for BTAL. On fees, TRFM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, BTAL has been the lower-risk option at 8.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTAL or TRFM?

Over the 3-year period, TRFM has performed better with a 26.26% return vs -9.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTAL or TRFM?

TRFM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 1.40% for BTAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BTAL or TRFM?

BTAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.02%, compared with 0.14% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between BTAL and TRFM?

BTAL is categorized as Equity Market Neutral, while TRFM is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: AGF and AAM. Their fees differ too: 1.40% for BTAL and 0.49% for TRFM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs -1.25), 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.