NFLT vs. DIAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NFLT (Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF) and DIAL (Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. NFLT is actively managed, while DIAL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NFLT returned 3.15%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for DIAL. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NFLT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DIAL.

Performance

NFLT vs. DIAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NFLT achieves a 1.50% return, which is significantly higher than DIAL's 0.88% return.

NFLT

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 1.58%
• 1Y: 7.11%
• 3Y*: 7.38%
• 5Y*: 3.15%
• 10Y*: 4.13%

DIAL

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 0.93%
• 1Y: 6.65%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: 0.73%
• 10Y*: —

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

NFLT vs. DIAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	1.50%	8.77%	6.05%	9.16%	-9.49%	1.18%	8.02%	10.13%	-2.68%	0.84%
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	0.88%	9.93%	1.69%	8.54%	-16.13%	-1.14%	9.08%	14.05%	-1.98%	0.00%

Correlation

The correlation between NFLT and DIAL is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2017	0.54

The correlation between NFLT and DIAL shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.66 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NFLT vs. DIAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NFLT	DIAL
Utilities	2.7%	-
Financial Services	0.9%	0.5%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Technology	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-

Return for Risk

NFLT vs. DIAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFLT

NFLT Risk / Return Rank: 57
NFLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
NFLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NFLT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
NFLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
NFLT Martin Ratio Rank: 70

DIAL

DIAL Risk / Return Rank: 46
DIAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DIAL Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DIAL Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

NFLT vs. DIAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). 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.

	NFLT	DIAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.64	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.43	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	2.00	+0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	7.79	+5.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NFLT vs. DIAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NFLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the DIAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NFLT and DIAL, 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

	NFLT	DIAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	1.64	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.10	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	0.36	+0.49

Drawdowns

NFLT vs. DIAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFLT drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum DIAL drawdown of -22.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFLT and DIAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFLT	DIAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-22.19%	+7.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.42%	-3.34%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.24%	-7.01%	+3.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.42%	-22.19%	+8.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.88%	+0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.10%	-5.54%	+3.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.55%	0.86%	-0.31%

Volatility

NFLT vs. DIAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is 1.19%, while Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) has a volatility of 1.57%. This indicates that NFLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NFLT	DIAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	1.57%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.90%	3.23%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.01%	4.08%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.43%	7.03%	-2.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.93%	7.03%	-2.10%

NFLT vs. DIAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFLT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DIAL's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFLT vs. DIAL - Dividend Comparison

NFLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.50%, more than DIAL's 5.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	5.05%	4.81%	4.67%	3.77%	3.47%	2.46%	2.61%	3.27%	3.56%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	5.50%	5.74%	5.76%	6.02%	4.16%	3.41%	3.63%	4.33%	4.81%	6.23%	5.30%	0.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NFLT and DIAL in my portfolio?

NFLT and DIAL have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NFLT or DIAL?

DIAL has higher volatility (1.57%) compared to NFLT (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFLT dropped -15.17% vs DIAL's -22.19%.

Which ETF is better, NFLT or DIAL?

On 5-year performance, NFLT leads with 3.15% vs 0.73% for DIAL. On fees, DIAL is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, NFLT has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NFLT or DIAL?

Over the 5-year period, NFLT has performed better with a 3.15% return vs 0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NFLT or DIAL?

DIAL is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for NFLT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NFLT or DIAL?

NFLT has the higher dividend yield at 5.50%, compared with 5.05% for DIAL.

What is the main difference between NFLT and DIAL?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NFLT and 0.29% for DIAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.64), 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.