NORW vs. RFEU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NORW (Global X MSCI Norway ETF) and RFEU (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds. NORW is passively managed, while RFEU is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, NORW returned 9.61%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for RFEU. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NORW charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for RFEU.

Performance

NORW vs. RFEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NORW achieves a 26.31% return, which is significantly higher than RFEU's 1.50% return. Over the past 10 years, NORW has outperformed RFEU with an annualized return of 9.61%, while RFEU has yielded a comparatively lower 7.29% annualized return.

NORW

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 26.31%
• 6M: 31.64%
• 1Y: 36.12%
• 3Y*: 23.02%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

RFEU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 4.04%
• 1Y: 13.97%
• 3Y*: 12.44%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 7.29%

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

NORW vs. RFEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	26.31%	32.59%	-2.50%	5.03%	-12.55%	13.65%	26.00%	14.39%	-10.39%	24.03%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	1.50%	30.78%	-1.78%	16.19%	-24.17%	22.83%	6.25%	23.21%	-17.57%	26.58%

Correlation

The correlation between NORW and RFEU is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2016	0.66

Over the past year, the correlation between NORW and RFEU has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.66, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

NORW vs. RFEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NORW	RFEU
Energy	29.4%	8.7%
Financial Services	22.6%	18.9%
Industrials	13.3%	15.4%
Consumer Defensive	12.5%	9.3%
Basic Materials	10.9%	1.2%
Communication Services	5.9%	3.8%
Technology	4.1%	12.5%
Utilities	0.7%	6.4%
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	10.6%
Healthcare	-	13.3%

Return for Risk

NORW vs. RFEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NORW

NORW Risk / Return Rank: 66
NORW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
NORW Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
NORW Omega Ratio Rank: 60
NORW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NORW Martin Ratio Rank: 63

RFEU

RFEU Risk / Return Rank: 59
RFEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
RFEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFEU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RFEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
RFEU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

NORW vs. RFEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). 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.

	NORW	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.77	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.57	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	2.99	+0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.27	10.93	+0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NORW vs. RFEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NORW Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the RFEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NORW and RFEU, 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

	NORW	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.18	1.77	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.23	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.41	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.41	-0.01

Drawdowns

NORW vs. RFEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NORW drawdown since its inception was -35.62%, smaller than the maximum RFEU drawdown of -39.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NORW and RFEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NORW	RFEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.62%	-39.74%	+4.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-5.15%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.06%	-13.48%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.78%	-35.92%	+3.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.86%	-39.74%	+5.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.53%	-0.11%	-3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.13%	-9.62%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.21%	1.35%	+1.86%

Volatility

NORW vs. RFEU - Volatility Comparison

Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) has a higher volatility of 4.06% compared to First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) at 0.00%. This indicates that NORW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFEU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NORW	RFEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	0.00%	+4.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	4.43%	+8.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.70%	8.73%	+7.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.88%	16.77%	+5.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.80%	17.86%	+2.94%

NORW vs. RFEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NORW has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than RFEU's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

NORW vs. RFEU - Dividend Comparison

NORW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, less than RFEU's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	2.72%	3.44%	6.02%	5.27%	4.01%	1.51%	1.13%	2.47%	3.53%	3.64%	3.79%	2.95%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	2.83%	2.87%	5.45%	3.37%	4.98%	1.82%	2.32%	3.08%	2.84%	1.35%	3.16%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NORW and RFEU in my portfolio?

NORW and RFEU have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NORW or RFEU?

NORW has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to RFEU (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NORW dropped -35.62% vs RFEU's -39.74%.

Which ETF is better, NORW or RFEU?

On 10-year performance, NORW leads with 9.61% vs 7.29% for RFEU. On fees, NORW is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RFEU has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NORW or RFEU?

Over the 10-year period, NORW has performed better with a 9.61% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NORW or RFEU?

NORW is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFEU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NORW or RFEU?

RFEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 2.72% for NORW.

What is the main difference between NORW and RFEU?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NORW and 0.83% for RFEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NORW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.77), 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.