DFRA vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFRA (Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. DFRA is passively managed, while VMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, DFRA returned 11.17% vs 30.65% for VMAX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFRA charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

DFRA vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFRA achieves a 5.59% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 15.53% return.

DFRA

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -3.12%
• YTD: 5.59%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 11.17%
• 3Y*: 11.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VMAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 15.53%
• 6M: 14.57%
• 1Y: 30.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFRA vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	5.59%	6.64%	7.05%	5.04%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.53%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DFRA and VMAX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.80

The correlation between DFRA and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFRA vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFRA	VMAX
Industrials	35.7%	5.5%
Energy	26.3%	11.0%
Basic Materials	18.5%	2.8%
Real Estate	12.1%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	3.7%
Utilities	2.8%	5.3%
Technology	1.5%	13.3%
Communication Services	-	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.7%
Financial Services	-	32.4%
Healthcare	-	11.1%

Return for Risk

DFRA vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFRA

DFRA Risk / Return Rank: 21
DFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
DFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
DFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 21
DFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
DFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 23

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

DFRA vs. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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.

	DFRA	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	2.50	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	3.39	-2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.44	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	6.24	-5.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.86	21.91	-19.05

DFRA vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFRA Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFRA and VMAX, 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

DFRA vs. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFRA drawdown since its inception was -19.35%, roughly equal to the maximum VMAX drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFRA and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFRA	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.35%	-19.05%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.64%	-4.93%	-6.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.88%	-0.31%	-9.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.01%	-2.53%	-1.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.91%	1.40%	+2.51%

Volatility

DFRA vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) has a higher volatility of 4.17% compared to Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) at 3.17%. This indicates that DFRA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFRA	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.17%	3.17%	+1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.17%	8.83%	+4.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	12.34%	+2.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	15.42%	+2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.51%	15.42%	+2.09%

DFRA vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFRA has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFRA vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

DFRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.32%, more than VMAX's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	4.32%	2.86%	10.13%	4.70%	8.40%	0.08%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.85%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFRA and VMAX in my portfolio?

DFRA and VMAX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFRA or VMAX?

DFRA has higher volatility (4.17%) compared to VMAX (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFRA dropped -19.35% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, DFRA or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 30.65% vs 11.17% for DFRA. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFRA or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 30.65% return vs 11.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFRA or VMAX?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for DFRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFRA or VMAX?

DFRA has the higher dividend yield at 4.32%, compared with 1.85% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between DFRA and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Donoghue Forlines and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for DFRA and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 0.75), 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.