DTEC vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DTEC (ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DTEC is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Index, while RFDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by SS&C. DTEC is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DTEC returned -0.77%/yr vs 12.74%/yr for RFDA. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DTEC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

DTEC vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DTEC achieves a -4.55% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 10.33% return.

DTEC

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -4.85%
• YTD: -4.55%
• 6M: -5.99%
• 1Y: -4.18%
• 3Y*: 7.07%
• 5Y*: -0.77%
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 10.33%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 25.01%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: 13.35%

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

DTEC vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DTEC ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF	-4.55%	7.21%	9.89%	25.03%	-31.29%	4.89%	44.12%	35.44%	-4.96%	0.04%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.33%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	-0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between DTEC and RFDA is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2017	0.78

The correlation between DTEC and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DTEC vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DTEC	RFDA
Technology	63.4%	21.1%
Industrials	12.1%	8.6%
Healthcare	9.2%	9.7%
Financial Services	7.3%	14.4%
Energy	3.5%	11.7%
Utilities	3.2%	4.8%
Communication Services	2.7%	8.3%
Real Estate	1.0%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	7.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.0%

Return for Risk

DTEC vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DTEC

DTEC Risk / Return Rank: 7
DTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
DTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
DTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 7
DTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
DTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 7

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

DTEC vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	DTEC	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	2.15	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.19	2.98	-3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.40	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	4.61	-4.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.46	16.42	-16.88

DTEC vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DTEC Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DTEC and RFDA, 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

DTEC vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DTEC drawdown since its inception was -42.00%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DTEC and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DTEC	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.00%	-34.60%	-7.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.31%	-5.45%	-14.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.47%	-19.35%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.00%	-19.35%	-22.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.08%	-2.06%	-10.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-3.73%	-9.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.02%	1.53%	+7.49%

Volatility

DTEC vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) has a higher volatility of 7.87% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.21%. This indicates that DTEC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DTEC	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.87%	3.21%	+4.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.91%	8.78%	+6.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.69%	11.71%	+6.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.16%	15.75%	+6.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.88%	16.87%	+6.01%

DTEC vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DTEC has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

DTEC vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

DTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than RFDA's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DTEC ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF	0.04%	0.04%	0.45%	0.27%	0.02%	0.26%	0.37%	0.43%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.81%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DTEC and RFDA in my portfolio?

DTEC and RFDA have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DTEC or RFDA?

DTEC has higher volatility (7.87%) compared to RFDA (3.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DTEC dropped -42.00% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, DTEC or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, RFDA leads with 12.74% vs -0.77% for DTEC. On fees, DTEC is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 3.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DTEC or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 12.74% return vs -0.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DTEC or RFDA?

DTEC is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DTEC or RFDA?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.04% for DTEC.

What is the main difference between DTEC and RFDA?

DTEC is categorized as Technology Equities, while RFDA is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for DTEC and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs -0.23), 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.