RDFI vs. SCIO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RDFI (Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF) and SCIO (First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RDFI returned 8.58% vs 7.23% for SCIO. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RDFI charges 3.69%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for SCIO.

Performance

RDFI vs. SCIO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF (RDFI) and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RDFI achieves a 1.30% return, which is significantly lower than SCIO's 1.43% return.

RDFI

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -0.20%
• YTD: 1.30%
• 6M: 1.38%
• 1Y: 8.58%
• 3Y*: 10.47%
• 5Y*: 2.68%
• 10Y*: —

SCIO

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 1.90%
• 1Y: 7.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RDFI vs. SCIO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RDFI Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF	1.30%	9.83%	10.63%
SCIO First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF	1.43%	10.17%	6.43%

Correlation

The correlation between RDFI and SCIO is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2024	0.33

Return for Risk

RDFI vs. SCIO — Risk / Return Rank

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

RDFI

RDFI Risk / Return Rank: 31
RDFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
RDFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
RDFI Omega Ratio Rank: 37
RDFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
RDFI Martin Ratio Rank: 29

SCIO

SCIO Risk / Return Rank: 70
SCIO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SCIO Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SCIO Omega Ratio Rank: 74
SCIO Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SCIO 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.

RDFI vs. SCIO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF (RDFI) and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO). 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.

	RDFI	SCIO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.92	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	2.94	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.43	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.08	4.22	-3.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.10	14.02	-9.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RDFI vs. SCIO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RDFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the SCIO Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RDFI and SCIO, 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

	RDFI	SCIO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	1.92	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	2.51	-1.75

Drawdowns

RDFI vs. SCIO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RDFI drawdown since its inception was -23.71%, which is greater than SCIO's maximum drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RDFI and SCIO.

Drawdown Indicators

	RDFI	SCIO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.71%	-1.72%	-21.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.01%	-1.72%	-6.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.22%	-0.25%	-2.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.21%	-0.31%	-6.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	0.52%	+1.58%

Volatility

RDFI vs. SCIO - Volatility Comparison

Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF (RDFI) has a higher volatility of 2.34% compared to First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) at 0.85%. This indicates that RDFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCIO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RDFI	SCIO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.34%	0.85%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.24%	1.70%	+4.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.05%	3.78%	+3.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.15%	3.20%	+4.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.96%	3.20%	+4.76%

RDFI vs. SCIO - Expense Ratio Comparison

RDFI has a 3.69% expense ratio, which is higher than SCIO's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

RDFI vs. SCIO - Dividend Comparison

RDFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.34%, more than SCIO's 5.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RDFI Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF	8.34%	8.17%	8.14%	7.38%	4.70%	6.78%	1.01%
SCIO First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF	5.99%	6.31%	6.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RDFI and SCIO in my portfolio?

RDFI and SCIO have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RDFI or SCIO?

RDFI has higher volatility (2.34%) compared to SCIO (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RDFI dropped -23.71% vs SCIO's -1.72%.

Which ETF is better, RDFI or SCIO?

On 1-year performance, RDFI leads with 8.58% vs 7.23% for SCIO. On fees, SCIO is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, SCIO has been the lower-risk option at 0.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RDFI or SCIO?

Over the 1-year period, RDFI has performed better with a 8.58% return vs 7.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RDFI or SCIO?

SCIO is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 3.69% for RDFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RDFI or SCIO?

RDFI has the higher dividend yield at 8.34%, compared with 5.99% for SCIO.

What is the main difference between RDFI and SCIO?

They also come from different issuers: Rareview Funds and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 3.69% for RDFI and 0.70% for SCIO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCIO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.22), 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.