FTIF vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FTIF (First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - FTIF tracks the Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity Index - Benchmark TR Gross while RAFE tracks the RAFI ESG US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FTIF returned 11.67%/yr vs 18.76%/yr for RAFE. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTIF charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

FTIF vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) 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, FTIF achieves a 20.29% return, which is significantly higher than RAFE's 15.70% return.

FTIF

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -3.51%
• 6M: 15.29%
• YTD: 20.29%
• 1Y: 23.46%
• 3Y*: 11.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 1.59%
• 6M: 13.30%
• YTD: 15.70%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 11.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTIF vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	20.29%	7.79%	0.50%	12.31%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.70%	17.60%	13.81%	21.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FTIF and RAFE is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 14, 2023	0.67

The correlation between FTIF and RAFE shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FTIF vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTIF

FTIF Risk / Return Rank: 66
FTIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FTIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FTIF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FTIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FTIF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 89
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 89
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

FTIF vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) 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.

	FTIF	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.49	-0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	3.48	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.45	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.72	3.78	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	14.72	-3.91

FTIF vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTIF Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTIF 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

FTIF vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTIF drawdown since its inception was -27.83%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTIF and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTIF	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.83%	-35.74%	+7.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.34%	-7.46%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.83%	-16.36%	-11.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.86%	-0.06%	-4.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.94%	-6.13%	+0.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.30%	1.91%	+0.39%

Volatility

FTIF vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) has a higher volatility of 3.85% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 2.78%. This indicates that FTIF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RAFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTIF	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.85%	2.78%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.62%	8.59%	+2.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.29%	11.34%	+3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.83%	15.07%	+3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	19.33%	-0.50%

FTIF vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTIF has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTIF vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

FTIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, less than RAFE's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	1.11%	1.45%	2.88%	1.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.49%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTIF and RAFE in my portfolio?

FTIF and RAFE have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTIF or RAFE?

FTIF has higher volatility (3.85%) compared to RAFE (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTIF dropped -27.83% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, FTIF or RAFE?

On 3-year performance, RAFE leads with 18.76% vs 11.67% for FTIF. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTIF or RAFE?

Over the 3-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 18.76% return vs 11.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTIF or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTIF.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 1.11% for FTIF.

What is the main difference between FTIF and RAFE?

FTIF tracks Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while RAFE tracks RAFI ESG US Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTIF and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.54), 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.