REFA vs. REGS

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

REFA (Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF) and REGS (Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - REFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Beta Advantage Research Enhanced International Equity Index, while REGS is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Columbia Threadneedle. REFA is passively managed, while REGS is actively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. REFA charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for REGS.

Performance

REFA vs. REGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF (REFA) and Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF (REGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

REFA

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: 2.81%
• 6M: 9.75%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

REGS

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -4.44%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

REFA vs. REGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
REFA Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF	9.01%
REGS Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF	9.85%

Correlation

The correlation between REFA and REGS is 0.59, 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 Mar 16, 2026	0.59

Return for Risk

REFA vs. REGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF (REFA) and Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF (REGS). 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.

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

Drawdowns

REFA vs. REGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REFA drawdown since its inception was -11.23%, which is greater than REGS's maximum drawdown of -7.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REFA and REGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	REFA	REGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.23%	-7.59%	-3.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-5.84%	+5.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.79%	-2.22%	-0.57%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	REFA	REGS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.61%	20.25%	-1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.61%	20.25%	-1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.61%	20.25%	-1.64%

REFA vs. REGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

REFA has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than REGS's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

REFA vs. REGS - Dividend Comparison

REFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, while REGS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
REFA Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF	0.03%	0.03%
REGS Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REFA and REGS in my portfolio?

REFA and REGS have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, REFA or REGS?

On fees, REFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, REFA or REGS?

REFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for REGS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REFA or REGS?

REFA has the higher dividend yield at 0.03%, compared with 0.00% for REGS.

What is the main difference between REFA and REGS?

REFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while REGS is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for REFA and 0.35% for REGS.