CDEI vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CDEI (Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - CDEI tracks the Russell 1000 Index while RAFE tracks the RAFI ESG US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CDEI returned 17.99%/yr vs 18.76%/yr for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CDEI charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

CDEI vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF (CDEI) 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, CDEI achieves a 10.88% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 15.70% return.

CDEI

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 2.25%
• 6M: 9.37%
• YTD: 10.88%
• 1Y: 22.84%
• 3Y*: 17.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 1.59%
• 6M: 13.30%
• YTD: 15.70%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 11.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

CDEI vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CDEI Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF	10.88%	16.60%	18.67%	22.82%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.70%	17.60%	13.81%	13.17%

Correlation

The correlation between CDEI and RAFE is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2023	0.85

The correlation between CDEI and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CDEI vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

CDEI

CDEI Risk / Return Rank: 68
CDEI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
CDEI Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
CDEI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
CDEI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
CDEI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

CDEI vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF (CDEI) 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.

	CDEI	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.49	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	3.48	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.45	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	3.78	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.94	14.72	-4.78

CDEI vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CDEI Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CDEI 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

CDEI vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CDEI drawdown since its inception was -19.46%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CDEI and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	CDEI	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.46%	-35.74%	+16.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.88%	-7.46%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.46%	-16.36%	-3.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-0.06%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.24%	-6.13%	+3.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.30%	1.91%	+0.39%

Volatility

CDEI vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF (CDEI) has a higher volatility of 3.48% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 2.78%. This indicates that CDEI'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

	CDEI	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.48%	2.78%	+0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	8.59%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.40%	11.34%	+1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.01%	15.07%	-0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.01%	19.33%	-4.32%

CDEI vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

CDEI has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

CDEI vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

CDEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than RAFE's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CDEI Calvert US Large-Cap Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Index ETF	0.98%	1.05%	1.22%	1.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.49%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CDEI and RAFE in my portfolio?

CDEI and RAFE have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CDEI or RAFE?

CDEI has higher volatility (3.48%) compared to RAFE (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CDEI dropped -19.46% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, CDEI or RAFE?

On 3-year performance, RAFE leads with 18.76% vs 17.99% for CDEI. On fees, CDEI is cheaper at 0.14% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CDEI or RAFE?

Over the 3-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 18.76% return vs 17.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CDEI or RAFE?

CDEI is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for RAFE.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.98% for CDEI.

What is the main difference between CDEI and RAFE?

CDEI tracks Russell 1000 Index, while RAFE tracks RAFI ESG US Index. They also come from different issuers: Calvert and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for CDEI and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.85), 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.