RFDA vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. RFDA is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFDA returned 13.17%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDA charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

RFDA vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDA achieves a 11.40% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

RFDA

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 11.40%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: 19.19%
• 5Y*: 13.17%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

RFDA vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	11.40%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDA and VUG is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 2016	0.81

The correlation between RFDA and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDA vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDA	VUG
Technology	19.9%	53.5%
Financial Services	14.7%	4.3%
Energy	12.5%	0.4%
Industrials	8.9%	3.6%
Healthcare	8.8%	4.6%
Communication Services	8.8%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	1.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	12.2%
Real Estate	5.0%	1.0%
Utilities	5.0%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	0.6%

Return for Risk

RFDA vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 83
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

RFDA vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	RFDA	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	1.77	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	2.40	+1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.31	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.44	1.69	+3.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.87	5.92	+13.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFDA vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDA Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDA and VUG, 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

	RFDA	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	1.77	+0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.68	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	0.62	+0.17

Drawdowns

RFDA vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDA drawdown since its inception was -34.60%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDA and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDA	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.60%	-50.68%	+16.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.45%	-16.53%	+11.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.35%	-22.85%	+3.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.35%	-35.61%	+16.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.92%	-1.51%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-7.09%	+3.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.49%	4.71%	-3.22%

Volatility

RFDA vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is 2.66%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that RFDA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDA	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	3.83%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.47%	12.11%	-3.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.64%	15.84%	-4.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.73%	22.22%	-6.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	21.44%	-4.59%

RFDA vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDA has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDA vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

RFDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.77%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDA and VUG in my portfolio?

RFDA and VUG have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFDA or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to RFDA (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDA dropped -34.60% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, RFDA or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 13.17% for RFDA. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDA or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 13.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDA or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFDA or VUG?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between RFDA and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for RFDA and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.77), 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.