IDOG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDOG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while RFDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by SS&C. IDOG is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDOG returned 10.55%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for RFDA. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDOG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

IDOG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) 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, IDOG achieves a 11.75% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 13.64% return. Over the past 10 years, IDOG has underperformed RFDA with an annualized return of 10.55%, while RFDA has yielded a comparatively higher 13.49% annualized return.

IDOG

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -2.99%
• 6M: 9.96%
• YTD: 11.75%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 18.66%
• 5Y*: 13.32%
• 10Y*: 10.55%

RFDA

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 12.80%
• YTD: 13.64%
• 1Y: 24.28%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 13.49%

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

IDOG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	11.75%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	13.64%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between IDOG and RFDA is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.65

The correlation between IDOG and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.66 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IDOG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDOG	RFDA
Industrials	12.2%	8.6%
Financial Services	11.3%	14.4%
Basic Materials	10.2%	1.9%
Energy	10.1%	11.7%
Communication Services	9.8%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	7.4%
Utilities	9.6%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	9.1%	7.0%
Technology	9.1%	21.1%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.7%
Real Estate	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

IDOG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 81
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 75
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 84

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 86
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

IDOG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) 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.

	IDOG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.11	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	2.91	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.39	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.32	4.48	-0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.13	15.88	-2.74

IDOG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDOG 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

IDOG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDOG drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDOG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDOG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-34.60%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-5.45%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-19.35%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.31%	-19.35%	-5.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-34.60%	-2.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.99%	0.00%	-2.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.89%	-3.72%	-4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.53%	+0.60%

Volatility

IDOG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) has a higher volatility of 4.05% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 2.41%. This indicates that IDOG'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

	IDOG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	2.41%	+1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	8.76%	+2.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.81%	11.59%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.67%	15.74%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.08%	16.84%	+0.24%

IDOG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IDOG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

IDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.40%, more than RFDA's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	4.40%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.76%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDOG and RFDA in my portfolio?

IDOG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDOG or RFDA?

IDOG has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to RFDA (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDOG dropped -37.32% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, IDOG or RFDA?

On 10-year performance, RFDA leads with 13.49% vs 10.55% for IDOG. On fees, IDOG is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDOG or RFDA?

Over the 10-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 13.49% return vs 10.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDOG or RFDA?

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

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

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 4.40%, compared with 1.76% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between IDOG and RFDA?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 2.03), 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.