RAFE vs. BDGS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) and BDGS (Bridges Capital Tactical ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. RAFE is passively managed, while BDGS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RAFE returned 19.54%/yr vs 14.06%/yr for BDGS. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RAFE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for BDGS.

Performance

RAFE vs. BDGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) and Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RAFE achieves a 13.35% return, which is significantly higher than BDGS's 5.64% return.

RAFE

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 7.15%
• YTD: 13.35%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 10.73%
• 10Y*: —

BDGS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 5.65%
• 1Y: 13.85%
• 3Y*: 14.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RAFE vs. BDGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	13.35%	17.60%	13.81%	15.50%
BDGS Bridges Capital Tactical ETF	5.64%	10.61%	19.07%	8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between RAFE and BDGS is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2023	0.62

The correlation between RAFE and BDGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

RAFE vs. BDGS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAFE	BDGS
Technology	29.8%	37.4%
Healthcare	23.1%	7.5%
Financial Services	13.3%	9.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	4.1%
Communication Services	7.2%	16.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	10.9%
Industrials	5.0%	6.6%
Basic Materials	4.2%	1.5%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.5%
Utilities	0.6%	1.9%
Energy	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

RAFE vs. BDGS — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 83
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 82
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 82

BDGS

BDGS Risk / Return Rank: 74
BDGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
BDGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BDGS Omega Ratio Rank: 78
BDGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
BDGS Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

RAFE vs. BDGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) and Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS). 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.

	RAFE	BDGS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	2.29	+0.49
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.88	3.40	+0.48
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.47	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	3.45	+0.77
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.49	16.47	+0.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RAFE vs. BDGS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RAFE Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the BDGS Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RAFE and BDGS, 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

	RAFE	BDGS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.78	2.29	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	1.76	-1.11

Drawdowns

RAFE vs. BDGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAFE drawdown since its inception was -35.74%, which is greater than BDGS's maximum drawdown of -9.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAFE and BDGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAFE	BDGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.74%	-9.12%	-26.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.46%	-4.03%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.36%	-9.12%	-7.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-0.83%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.22%	-0.64%	-5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	0.84%	+1.07%

Volatility

RAFE vs. BDGS - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) has a higher volatility of 2.90% compared to Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS) at 1.14%. This indicates that RAFE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BDGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RAFE	BDGS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.90%	1.14%	+1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.25%	4.74%	+3.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	6.08%	+5.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.09%	8.21%	+6.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.43%	8.21%	+11.22%

RAFE vs. BDGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAFE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than BDGS's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAFE vs. BDGS - Dividend Comparison

RAFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, more than BDGS's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BDGS Bridges Capital Tactical ETF	0.52%	0.55%	1.81%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAFE and BDGS in my portfolio?

RAFE and BDGS have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RAFE or BDGS?

RAFE has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to BDGS (1.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RAFE dropped -35.74% vs BDGS's -9.12%.

Which ETF is better, RAFE or BDGS?

On 3-year performance, RAFE leads with 19.54% vs 14.06% for BDGS. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, BDGS has been the lower-risk option at 1.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RAFE or BDGS?

Over the 3-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 19.54% return vs 14.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAFE or BDGS?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for BDGS.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.52% for BDGS.

What is the main difference between RAFE and BDGS?

They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Bridges. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for RAFE and 0.85% for BDGS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.29), 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.