DAX vs. RFEU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DAX (Global X DAX Germany ETF) and RFEU (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds. DAX is passively managed, while RFEU is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, DAX returned 8.97%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for RFEU. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for RFEU.

Performance

DAX vs. RFEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAX achieves a -0.66% return, which is significantly lower than RFEU's 1.50% return. Over the past 10 years, DAX has outperformed RFEU with an annualized return of 8.97%, while RFEU has yielded a comparatively lower 7.29% annualized return.

DAX

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: -0.66%
• 6M: 2.93%
• 1Y: 3.88%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 7.71%
• 10Y*: 8.97%

RFEU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 4.04%
• 1Y: 13.97%
• 3Y*: 12.44%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 7.29%

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

DAX vs. RFEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DAX Global X DAX Germany ETF	-0.66%	39.00%	10.55%	23.62%	-18.47%	7.73%	12.27%	22.11%	-22.92%	28.23%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	1.50%	30.78%	-1.78%	16.19%	-24.17%	22.83%	6.25%	23.21%	-17.57%	26.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DAX and RFEU is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2016	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between DAX and RFEU has dropped to 0.53 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DAX vs. RFEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DAX	RFEU
Industrials	34.8%	15.4%
Financial Services	21.0%	18.9%
Technology	13.2%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	10.6%
Communication Services	6.1%	3.8%
Healthcare	5.7%	13.3%
Basic Materials	5.3%	1.2%
Utilities	5.0%	6.4%
Real Estate	1.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	9.3%
Energy	-	8.7%

Return for Risk

DAX vs. RFEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DAX

DAX Risk / Return Rank: 12
DAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
DAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
DAX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
DAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
DAX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

RFEU

RFEU Risk / Return Rank: 59
RFEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
RFEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFEU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RFEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
RFEU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

DAX vs. RFEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). 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.

	DAX	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	1.77	-1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	2.57	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.39	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	2.99	-2.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.83	10.93	-10.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DAX vs. RFEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is lower than the RFEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAX and RFEU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DAX	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22	1.77	-1.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.23	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	0.41	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.41	-0.06

Drawdowns

DAX vs. RFEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAX drawdown since its inception was -45.58%, which is greater than RFEU's maximum drawdown of -39.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAX and RFEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAX	RFEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.58%	-39.74%	-5.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.82%	-5.15%	-9.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.03%	-13.48%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.96%	-35.92%	-4.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.58%	-39.74%	-5.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.63%	-0.11%	-4.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.51%	-9.62%	-0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.68%	1.35%	+3.33%

Volatility

DAX vs. RFEU - Volatility Comparison

Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX) has a higher volatility of 6.09% compared to First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) at 0.00%. This indicates that DAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFEU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAX	RFEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.09%	0.00%	+6.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	4.43%	+9.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.66%	8.73%	+8.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.38%	16.77%	+3.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.28%	17.86%	+3.42%

DAX vs. RFEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than RFEU's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAX vs. RFEU - Dividend Comparison

DAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than RFEU's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DAX Global X DAX Germany ETF	1.48%	1.47%	2.24%	2.48%	2.80%	2.65%	2.25%	2.47%	3.33%	1.73%	1.78%	1.41%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	2.83%	2.87%	5.45%	3.37%	4.98%	1.82%	2.32%	3.08%	2.84%	1.35%	3.16%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAX and RFEU in my portfolio?

DAX and RFEU have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAX or RFEU?

DAX has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to RFEU (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAX dropped -45.58% vs RFEU's -39.74%.

Which ETF is better, DAX or RFEU?

On 10-year performance, DAX leads with 8.97% vs 7.29% for RFEU. On fees, DAX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, RFEU has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DAX or RFEU?

Over the 10-year period, DAX has performed better with a 8.97% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAX or RFEU?

DAX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFEU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DAX or RFEU?

RFEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 1.48% for DAX.

What is the main difference between DAX and RFEU?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DAX and 0.83% for RFEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.22), 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.