RAFE vs. STRN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) and STRN (SMART Trend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAFE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the RAFI ESG US Index, while STRN is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by SmartWay. RAFE is passively managed, while STRN is actively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RAFE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for STRN.

Performance

RAFE vs. STRN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RAFE achieves a 15.75% return, which is significantly lower than STRN's 19.31% return.

RAFE

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 1.26%
• 6M: 13.22%
• YTD: 15.75%
• 1Y: 28.72%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 11.72%
• 10Y*: —

STRN

• 1D: -3.03%
• 1M: -6.46%
• 6M: 14.02%
• YTD: 19.31%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RAFE vs. STRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.75%	7.94%
STRN SMART Trend ETF	19.31%	10.48%

Correlation

The correlation between RAFE and STRN is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

RAFE vs. STRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 90
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 88

STRN

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. STRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) and SMART Trend ETF (STRN). 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.

	RAFE	STRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.87	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.07	—	—

Drawdowns

RAFE vs. STRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAFE drawdown since its inception was -35.74%, which is greater than STRN's maximum drawdown of -15.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAFE and STRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAFE	STRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.74%	-15.43%	-20.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.46%	—	—
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	-0.02%	-8.89%	+8.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.12%	-3.00%	-3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAFE	STRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.19%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.62%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.31%	26.85%	-15.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.06%	26.85%	-11.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.31%	26.85%	-7.54%

RAFE vs. STRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAFE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than STRN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAFE vs. STRN - Dividend Comparison

RAFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, more than STRN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.49%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%
STRN SMART Trend ETF	0.15%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAFE and STRN in my portfolio?

RAFE and STRN have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RAFE or STRN?

On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAFE or STRN?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for STRN.

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

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.15% for STRN.

What is the main difference between RAFE and STRN?

RAFE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while STRN is Actively Managed. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and SmartWay. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for RAFE and 0.59% for STRN.