REGS vs. REFA

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

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

Performance

REGS vs. REFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

REGS

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

REFA

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

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

REGS vs. REFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

The correlation between REGS and REFA 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

REGS vs. REFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

REGS vs. REFA - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

Volatility by Period

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

REGS vs. REFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

REGS vs. REFA - Dividend Comparison

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

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 REGS and REFA in my portfolio?

REGS and REFA 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, REGS or REFA?

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, REGS or REFA?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between REGS and REFA?

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