RCGE vs. FAAR

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

RCGE (RockCreek Global Equality ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RCGE is a Global Equities fund actively managed by RockCreek, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RCGE returned 11.09% vs 26.30% for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

RCGE vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RockCreek Global Equality ETF (RCGE) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RCGE achieves a 4.51% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 16.74% return.

RCGE

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.54%
• 6M: 4.51%
• YTD: 4.51%
• 1Y: 11.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: -7.00%
• 6M: 16.74%
• YTD: 16.74%
• 1Y: 26.30%
• 3Y*: 9.72%
• 5Y*: 6.84%
• 10Y*: 4.49%

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

RCGE vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RCGE RockCreek Global Equality ETF	4.51%	13.33%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	16.74%	7.42%

Correlation

The correlation between RCGE and FAAR is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2025	-0.05

Return for Risk

RCGE vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

RCGE

RCGE Risk / Return Rank: 29
RCGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
RCGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
RCGE Omega Ratio Rank: 27
RCGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
RCGE Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 74
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

RCGE vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RockCreek Global Equality ETF (RCGE) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	RCGE	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	2.01	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	2.91	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.35	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.19	3.23	-2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.09	11.96	-7.87

RCGE vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RCGE Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RCGE and FAAR, 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

RCGE vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RCGE drawdown since its inception was -13.32%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RCGE and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RCGE	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.32%	-18.03%	+4.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-8.17%	-1.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-8.17%	+7.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-7.82%	+5.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	2.20%	+0.52%

Volatility

RCGE vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

RockCreek Global Equality ETF (RCGE) has a higher volatility of 3.42% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.54%. This indicates that RCGE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RCGE	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	2.54%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.87%	9.78%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.24%	13.12%	-0.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.28%	12.96%	+2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.28%	11.55%	+3.73%

RCGE vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both RCGE and FAAR have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

RCGE vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

RCGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, less than FAAR's 9.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.80%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
RCGE RockCreek Global Equality ETF	1.73%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RCGE and FAAR in my portfolio?

RCGE and FAAR have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RCGE or FAAR?

RCGE has higher volatility (3.42%) compared to FAAR (2.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RCGE dropped -13.32% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, RCGE or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 26.30% vs 11.09% for RCGE. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RCGE or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 26.30% return vs 11.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RCGE or FAAR?

RCGE and FAAR have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RCGE or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.80%, compared with 1.73% for RCGE.

What is the main difference between RCGE and FAAR?

RCGE is categorized as Global Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: RockCreek and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 0.91), 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.