ESGG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ESGG (FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. ESGG is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGG returned 12.18%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for RFDA. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESGG charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

ESGG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) 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, ESGG achieves a 12.47% return, which is significantly higher than RFDA's 10.77% return.

ESGG

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: 1.23%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.09%
• 1Y: 27.53%
• 3Y*: 20.59%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 10.77%
• 6M: 9.90%
• 1Y: 26.59%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 13.39%

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

ESGG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESGG FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund	12.47%	24.01%	14.48%	25.57%	-18.66%	23.76%	17.32%	29.10%	-8.44%	23.60%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.77%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGG and RFDA is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2016	0.82

The correlation between ESGG and RFDA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGG	RFDA
Technology	40.5%	21.1%
Financial Services	19.5%	14.4%
Healthcare	13.1%	9.7%
Industrials	6.6%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	7.4%
Energy	3.8%	11.7%
Basic Materials	2.2%	1.9%
Utilities	1.4%	4.8%
Real Estate	1.4%	4.9%
Communication Services	1.4%	8.3%

Return for Risk

ESGG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGG

ESGG Risk / Return Rank: 71
ESGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ESGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ESGG Omega Ratio Rank: 70
ESGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
ESGG Martin Ratio Rank: 74

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
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.

ESGG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) 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.

	ESGG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.28	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.14	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	4.90	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.01	17.52	-4.51

ESGG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGG Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGG 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

ESGG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGG drawdown since its inception was -32.31%, smaller than the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.31%	-34.60%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-5.45%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.71%	-19.35%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-19.35%	-8.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.43%	-1.67%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.65%	-3.73%	-0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.12%	1.52%	+0.60%

Volatility

ESGG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund (ESGG) has a higher volatility of 5.30% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.29%. This indicates that ESGG'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

	ESGG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	3.29%	+2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.68%	8.77%	+1.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	11.72%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	15.75%	+0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.53%	16.87%	-0.34%

ESGG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGG has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

ESGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, less than RFDA's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESGG FlexShares STOXX Global ESG Select Index Fund	1.31%	1.39%	1.84%	1.73%	1.83%	1.34%	1.36%	1.94%	2.12%	1.71%	0.87%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.80%	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 ESGG and RFDA in my portfolio?

ESGG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGG or RFDA?

ESGG has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to RFDA (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGG dropped -32.31% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, ESGG or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, RFDA leads with 12.89% vs 12.18% for ESGG. On fees, ESGG is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGG or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 12.89% return vs 12.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGG or RFDA?

ESGG is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 1.31% for ESGG.

What is the main difference between ESGG and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for ESGG and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.16), 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.