RFDI vs. CGSD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and CGSD (Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RFDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while CGSD is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Capital Group. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RFDI returned 18.50%/yr vs 5.21%/yr for CGSD. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for CGSD.

Performance

RFDI vs. CGSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF (CGSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDI achieves a 10.50% return, which is significantly higher than CGSD's 0.74% return.

RFDI

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -0.00%
• 6M: 7.67%
• YTD: 10.50%
• 1Y: 24.60%
• 3Y*: 18.50%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 8.87%

CGSD

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.09%
• 6M: 0.74%
• YTD: 0.74%
• 1Y: 3.72%
• 3Y*: 5.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RFDI vs. CGSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	10.50%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	8.05%
CGSD Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF	0.74%	6.11%	5.46%	5.03%	1.38%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and CGSD is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2022	0.23

The correlation between RFDI and CGSD shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (all time) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. CGSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 62
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 62

CGSD

CGSD Risk / Return Rank: 90
CGSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
CGSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
CGSD Omega Ratio Rank: 93
CGSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
CGSD Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

RFDI vs. CGSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF (CGSD). 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.

	RFDI	CGSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.58	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	4.03	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.52	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	3.35	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.72	15.82	-7.11

RFDI vs. CGSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the CGSD Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and CGSD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

RFDI vs. CGSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, which is greater than CGSD's maximum drawdown of -1.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and CGSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	CGSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-1.75%	-37.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-1.11%	-9.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-1.11%	-12.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.98%	-0.35%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.16%	-0.28%	-8.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	0.24%	+2.59%

Volatility

RFDI vs. CGSD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) has a higher volatility of 4.29% compared to Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF (CGSD) at 0.46%. This indicates that RFDI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CGSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	CGSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.29%	0.46%	+3.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	1.08%	+11.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.90%	1.45%	+13.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	2.15%	+14.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.01%	2.15%	+14.86%

RFDI vs. CGSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than CGSD's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. CGSD - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, less than CGSD's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CGSD Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF	4.47%	4.48%	4.57%	4.43%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.20%	3.45%	5.21%	2.43%	5.00%	3.22%	1.34%	2.72%	2.59%	1.63%	1.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and CGSD in my portfolio?

RFDI and CGSD have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFDI or CGSD?

RFDI has higher volatility (4.29%) compared to CGSD (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs CGSD's -1.75%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or CGSD?

On 3-year performance, RFDI leads with 18.50% vs 5.21% for CGSD. On fees, CGSD is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, CGSD has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or CGSD?

Over the 3-year period, RFDI has performed better with a 18.50% return vs 5.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or CGSD?

CGSD is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFDI or CGSD?

CGSD has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 3.20% for RFDI.

What is the main difference between RFDI and CGSD?

RFDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while CGSD is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Capital Group. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.25% for CGSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGSD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.66), 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.