DAK vs. RAFE

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

DAK (Dakota Active Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DAK is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past year, DAK returned 20.52% vs 31.75% for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.84 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DAK charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

DAK vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) 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, DAK achieves a 10.36% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 16.68% return.

DAK

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: 9.09%
• YTD: 10.36%
• 1Y: 20.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.77%

RAFE

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 14.64%
• YTD: 16.68%
• 1Y: 31.75%
• 3Y*: 18.09%
• 5Y*: 11.54%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.67%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	$1.23K	$2.63K	$4.01K
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	$564.44K	$467.39K	$607.84K

DAK vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	10.36%	6.75%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	16.68%	10.14%

Correlation

The correlation between DAK and RAFE is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.84

The correlation between DAK and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DAK vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DAK

DAK Risk / Return Rank: 72
DAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DAK Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DAK Martin Ratio Rank: 78

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 93
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 93
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DAK vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) 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.

	DAK	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	2.67	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	3.70	-1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.48	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	4.09	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.16	16.26	-6.09

DAK vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAK Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is lower than the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAK 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

DAK vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAK drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAK and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAK	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-35.74%	+27.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.87%	-7.46%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-0.96%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.18%	-6.08%	+4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.87%	1.87%	0.00%

Volatility

DAK vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) have volatilities of 2.91% and 3.01%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAK	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	3.01%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.11%	8.70%	+0.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.39%	11.48%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.39%	15.05%	-3.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.39%	19.27%	-7.88%

DAK vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAK has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAK vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

DAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than RAFE's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	0.75%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.48%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAK and RAFE in my portfolio?

DAK and RAFE have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAK or RAFE?

RAFE has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to DAK (2.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAK dropped -7.87% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, DAK or RAFE?

On 1-year performance, RAFE leads with 31.75% vs 20.52% for DAK. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DAK or RAFE?

Over the 1-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 31.75% return vs 20.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAK or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DAK.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.75% for DAK.

What is the main difference between DAK and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Dakota Wealth and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DAK and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.68), 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.