KOOL vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

KOOL (North Shore Equity Rotation ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. KOOL is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past year, KOOL returned 22.57% vs 28.14% for RAFE. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KOOL charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

KOOL vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) 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, KOOL achieves a 13.81% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 15.78% return.

KOOL

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.06%
• 6M: 11.62%
• YTD: 13.81%
• 1Y: 22.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.65%
• 6M: 13.43%
• YTD: 15.78%
• 1Y: 28.14%
• 3Y*: 19.01%
• 5Y*: 11.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

KOOL vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KOOL North Shore Equity Rotation ETF	13.81%	16.05%	10.83%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.78%	17.60%	4.41%

Correlation

The correlation between KOOL and RAFE is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2024	0.75

The correlation between KOOL and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KOOL vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

KOOL

KOOL Risk / Return Rank: 65
KOOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
KOOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
KOOL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
KOOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
KOOL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 88
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 87
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

KOOL vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) 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.

	KOOL	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	2.39	-0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	3.35	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	3.64	-0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	14.19	-3.49

KOOL vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KOOL Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is lower than the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KOOL 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

KOOL vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KOOL drawdown since its inception was -20.46%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KOOL and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	KOOL	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.46%	-35.74%	+15.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.18%	-7.46%	+0.28%
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	-2.20%	0.00%	-2.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.55%	-6.13%	+3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	1.92%	+0.13%

Volatility

KOOL vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) has a higher volatility of 4.46% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 3.10%. This indicates that KOOL'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

	KOOL	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	3.10%	+1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.23%	8.60%	+2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.67%	11.37%	+2.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.96%	15.06%	+1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.96%	19.33%	-2.37%

KOOL vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

KOOL has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

KOOL vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

KOOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than RAFE's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KOOL North Shore Equity Rotation ETF	0.43%	0.37%	0.56%	0.00%	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 KOOL and RAFE in my portfolio?

KOOL and RAFE have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KOOL or RAFE?

KOOL has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to RAFE (3.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KOOL dropped -20.46% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, KOOL or RAFE?

On 1-year performance, RAFE leads with 28.14% vs 22.57% for KOOL. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 3.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KOOL or RAFE?

Over the 1-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 28.14% return vs 22.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KOOL or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.94% for KOOL.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.43% for KOOL.

What is the main difference between KOOL and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: North Shore and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.94% for KOOL and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.61), 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.