RDOG vs. FRI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RDOG (ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF) and FRI (First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund) are both REIT funds - RDOG tracks the S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index while FRI tracks the S&P United States REIT. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RDOG returned 4.05%/yr vs 5.62%/yr for FRI. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RDOG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FRI.

Performance

RDOG vs. FRI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RDOG achieves a 13.77% return, which is significantly higher than FRI's 11.90% return. Over the past 10 years, RDOG has underperformed FRI with an annualized return of 4.05%, while FRI has yielded a comparatively higher 5.62% annualized return.

RDOG

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 3.92%
• YTD: 13.77%
• 6M: 14.44%
• 1Y: 20.06%
• 3Y*: 11.40%
• 5Y*: 2.28%
• 10Y*: 4.05%

FRI

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 11.90%
• 6M: 10.60%
• 1Y: 14.73%
• 3Y*: 11.09%
• 5Y*: 4.41%
• 10Y*: 5.62%

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

RDOG vs. FRI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RDOG ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF	13.77%	0.95%	4.57%	10.38%	-25.53%	34.42%	-10.01%	21.54%	-5.70%	11.84%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	11.90%	2.80%	7.84%	13.33%	-24.66%	42.55%	-7.90%	23.67%	-4.28%	3.86%

Correlation

The correlation between RDOG and FRI is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2008	0.79

The correlation between RDOG and FRI shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (all time) to 0.90 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RDOG vs. FRI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RDOG	FRI
Real Estate	100.0%	96.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	2.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

RDOG vs. FRI — Risk / Return Rank

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

RDOG

RDOG Risk / Return Rank: 39
RDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
RDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
RDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
RDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
RDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

FRI

FRI Risk / Return Rank: 34
FRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FRI Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FRI Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

RDOG vs. FRI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). 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.

	RDOG	FRI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.13	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	1.59	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.20	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	1.95	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.51	6.21	+0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RDOG vs. FRI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RDOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the FRI Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RDOG and FRI, 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

	RDOG	FRI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	1.13	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12	0.24	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18	0.27	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.18	-0.01

Drawdowns

RDOG vs. FRI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RDOG drawdown since its inception was -67.59%, smaller than the maximum FRI drawdown of -71.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RDOG and FRI.

Drawdown Indicators

	RDOG	FRI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.59%	-71.95%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.02%	-7.57%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.40%	-18.90%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.52%	-31.21%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.35%	-44.16%	-5.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.03%	-3.24%	+1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.26%	-13.70%	+1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.38%	+0.71%

Volatility

RDOG vs. FRI - Volatility Comparison

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI) have volatilities of 3.98% and 3.93%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RDOG	FRI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	3.93%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.42%	9.14%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.52%	13.05%	+1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.84%	18.65%	+1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.05%	21.06%	+1.99%

RDOG vs. FRI - Expense Ratio Comparison

RDOG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FRI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RDOG vs. FRI - Dividend Comparison

RDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.13%, more than FRI's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	2.60%	2.99%	3.33%	3.24%	2.52%	1.44%	3.08%	2.28%	3.21%	2.82%	3.27%	2.66%
RDOG ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF	6.13%	6.91%	6.11%	7.07%	5.25%	3.11%	5.12%	3.10%	3.13%	3.64%	3.66%	3.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RDOG and FRI in my portfolio?

RDOG and FRI have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RDOG or FRI?

RDOG has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to FRI (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RDOG dropped -67.59% vs FRI's -71.95%.

Which ETF is better, RDOG or FRI?

On 10-year performance, FRI leads with 5.62% vs 4.05% for RDOG. On fees, RDOG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RDOG or FRI?

Over the 10-year period, FRI has performed better with a 5.62% return vs 4.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RDOG or FRI?

RDOG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for FRI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RDOG or FRI?

RDOG has the higher dividend yield at 6.13%, compared with 2.60% for FRI.

What is the main difference between RDOG and FRI?

RDOG tracks S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index, while FRI tracks S&P United States REIT. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for RDOG and 0.50% for FRI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.13), 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.