RFCI vs. DIAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFCI (RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF) and DIAL (Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. RFCI is actively managed, while DIAL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFCI returned 1.22%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for DIAL. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFCI charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for DIAL.

Performance

RFCI vs. DIAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFCI achieves a 0.13% return, which is significantly lower than DIAL's 0.88% return.

RFCI

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.05%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: 4.55%
• 5Y*: 1.22%
• 10Y*: —

DIAL

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 0.93%
• 1Y: 6.65%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: 0.73%
• 10Y*: —

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

RFCI vs. DIAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFCI RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF	0.13%	6.85%	2.64%	5.97%	-9.27%	-1.48%	6.48%	8.69%	-1.30%	0.07%
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	0.88%	9.93%	1.69%	8.54%	-16.13%	-1.14%	9.08%	14.05%	-1.98%	0.00%

Correlation

The correlation between RFCI and DIAL is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2017	0.72

The correlation between RFCI and DIAL shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (all time) to 0.89 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFCI vs. DIAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFCI

RFCI Risk / Return Rank: 36
RFCI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
RFCI Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
RFCI Omega Ratio Rank: 35
RFCI Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
RFCI Martin Ratio Rank: 35

DIAL

DIAL Risk / Return Rank: 46
DIAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DIAL Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DIAL Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

RFCI vs. DIAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) and Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL). 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.

	RFCI	DIAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.64	-0.33
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.43	-0.54
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	2.00	-0.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.23	7.79	-2.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFCI vs. DIAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFCI Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the DIAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFCI and DIAL, 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

	RFCI	DIAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31	1.64	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.10	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.36	+0.06

Drawdowns

RFCI vs. DIAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFCI drawdown since its inception was -14.18%, smaller than the maximum DIAL drawdown of -22.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFCI and DIAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFCI	DIAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.18%	-22.19%	+8.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.65%	-3.34%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.10%	-7.01%	+1.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.46%	-22.19%	+8.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-0.88%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.23%	-5.54%	+2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	0.86%	+0.02%

Volatility

RFCI vs. DIAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) is 1.29%, while Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) has a volatility of 1.57%. This indicates that RFCI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFCI	DIAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.29%	1.57%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.70%	3.23%	-0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	4.08%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.13%	7.03%	-1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.95%	7.03%	-2.08%

RFCI vs. DIAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFCI has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than DIAL's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFCI vs. DIAL - Dividend Comparison

RFCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.54%, less than DIAL's 5.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	5.05%	4.81%	4.67%	3.77%	3.47%	2.46%	2.61%	3.27%	3.56%	0.65%	0.00%
RFCI RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF	4.54%	4.55%	4.30%	3.55%	2.26%	3.45%	2.04%	2.66%	2.76%	2.03%	1.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFCI and DIAL in my portfolio?

RFCI and DIAL have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFCI or DIAL?

DIAL has higher volatility (1.57%) compared to RFCI (1.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFCI dropped -14.18% vs DIAL's -22.19%.

Which ETF is better, RFCI or DIAL?

On 5-year performance, RFCI leads with 1.22% vs 0.73% for DIAL. On fees, DIAL is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, RFCI has been the lower-risk option at 1.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFCI or DIAL?

Over the 5-year period, RFCI has performed better with a 1.22% return vs 0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFCI or DIAL?

DIAL is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for RFCI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFCI or DIAL?

DIAL has the higher dividend yield at 5.05%, compared with 4.54% for RFCI.

What is the main difference between RFCI and DIAL?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for RFCI and 0.29% for DIAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.31), 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.