GSEW vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GSEW (Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. GSEW is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSEW returned 8.63%/yr vs 13.17%/yr for RFDA. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSEW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

GSEW vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) 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, GSEW achieves a 9.52% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 11.40% return.

GSEW

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 9.82%
• 1Y: 18.80%
• 3Y*: 17.43%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 11.40%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: 19.19%
• 5Y*: 13.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

GSEW vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	9.52%	11.97%	16.89%	17.80%	-17.54%	25.43%	16.28%	31.04%	-8.11%	7.67%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	11.40%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	8.91%

Correlation

The correlation between GSEW and RFDA is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2017	0.89

The correlation between GSEW and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GSEW vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSEW	RFDA
Technology	20.9%	19.9%
Industrials	15.6%	8.9%
Financial Services	14.3%	14.7%
Healthcare	11.3%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	7.0%
Utilities	5.8%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	7.6%
Energy	4.9%	12.5%
Basic Materials	4.6%	1.8%
Real Estate	4.0%	5.0%
Communication Services	3.5%	8.8%

Return for Risk

GSEW vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSEW

GSEW Risk / Return Rank: 46
GSEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GSEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
GSEW Omega Ratio Rank: 42
GSEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GSEW Martin Ratio Rank: 54

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 83
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

GSEW vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) 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.

	GSEW	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.55	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	3.52	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.47	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	5.44	-2.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.35	19.87	-10.52
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSEW vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSEW Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSEW 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GSEW	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.56	2.55	-0.99
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.84	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.79	-0.18

Drawdowns

GSEW vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSEW drawdown since its inception was -38.65%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSEW and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSEW	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.65%	-34.60%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-5.45%	-2.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.18%	-19.35%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-19.35%	-6.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.92%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.89%	-3.74%	-2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	1.49%	+0.53%

Volatility

GSEW vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) have volatilities of 2.76% and 2.66%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSEW	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.76%	2.66%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.05%	8.47%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.12%	11.64%	+0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	15.73%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.20%	16.85%	+2.35%

GSEW vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSEW has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSEW vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

GSEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, less than RFDA's 1.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	1.42%	1.52%	1.46%	1.64%	1.74%	1.34%	1.53%	1.66%	1.56%	0.54%	0.00%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.77%	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 GSEW and RFDA in my portfolio?

GSEW and RFDA have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSEW or RFDA?

GSEW has higher volatility (2.76%) compared to RFDA (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSEW dropped -38.65% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, GSEW or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, RFDA leads with 13.17% vs 8.63% for GSEW. On fees, GSEW is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSEW or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 13.17% return vs 8.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSEW or RFDA?

GSEW is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 1.42% for GSEW.

What is the main difference between GSEW and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for GSEW and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.56), 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.