GAUD vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

GAUD (Guinness Atkinson US Dividend Builder ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. GAUD is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAUD charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

GAUD vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Guinness Atkinson US Dividend Builder ETF (GAUD) 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, GAUD achieves a -0.92% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 14.97% return.

GAUD

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -2.34%
• 6M: -3.45%
• YTD: -0.92%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.08%
• 6M: 13.09%
• YTD: 14.97%
• 1Y: 28.44%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: —

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

GAUD vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GAUD Guinness Atkinson US Dividend Builder ETF	-0.92%	-1.12%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	14.97%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between GAUD and RAFE is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2025	0.70

Return for Risk

GAUD vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAUD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 89
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
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.

GAUD vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Guinness Atkinson US Dividend Builder ETF (GAUD) 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.

	GAUD	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.53	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.54	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.45	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.83	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.93	—

Drawdowns

GAUD vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAUD drawdown since its inception was -9.17%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAUD and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAUD	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-35.74%	+26.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.46%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-0.69%	-3.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.59%	-6.12%	+2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.91%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GAUD	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.25%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.30%	11.34%	-0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.30%	15.07%	-3.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.30%	19.32%	-8.02%

GAUD vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAUD has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAUD vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

GAUD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GAUD Guinness Atkinson US Dividend Builder ETF	0.61%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAUD and RAFE in my portfolio?

GAUD and RAFE have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GAUD or RAFE?

On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAUD or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GAUD.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.61% for GAUD.

What is the main difference between GAUD and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Guinness Atkinson and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GAUD and 0.30% for RAFE.