RFDI vs. IDEV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and IDEV (iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. RFDI is actively managed, while IDEV is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFDI returned 8.21%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for IDEV. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for IDEV.

Performance

RFDI vs. IDEV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with RFDI having a 8.72% return and IDEV slightly lower at 8.34%.

RFDI

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.54%
• 1Y: 25.31%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 8.21%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

IDEV

• 1D: -1.85%
• 1M: -0.30%
• YTD: 8.34%
• 6M: 7.88%
• 1Y: 23.11%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

RFDI vs. IDEV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	8.72%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	-23.57%	17.36%	9.16%	20.47%	-18.26%	16.31%
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	8.34%	32.56%	4.54%	17.36%	-14.99%	13.00%	8.32%	23.12%	-14.10%	17.43%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and IDEV is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2017	0.95

The correlation between RFDI and IDEV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. IDEV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	IDEV
Financial Services	27.8%	24.0%
Industrials	11.6%	18.8%
Energy	10.6%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	7.7%
Healthcare	8.6%	8.5%
Technology	7.6%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	5.8%
Communication Services	5.1%	4.3%
Basic Materials	5.0%	8.3%
Utilities	4.4%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.7%

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. IDEV — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 54
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 56

IDEV

IDEV Risk / Return Rank: 46
IDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. IDEV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV). 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	IDEV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.54	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.19	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.07	+0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.98	8.10	+0.88

RFDI vs. IDEV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the IDEV Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and IDEV, 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. IDEV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, which is greater than IDEV's maximum drawdown of -34.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and IDEV.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	IDEV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-34.77%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-11.20%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-13.41%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-29.15%	-6.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-1.98%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.20%	-6.53%	-2.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.86%	-0.03%

Volatility

RFDI vs. IDEV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 4.56%, while iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) has a volatility of 5.07%. This indicates that RFDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IDEV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	IDEV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.56%	5.07%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.49%	12.83%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.84%	15.07%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	16.35%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	17.28%	-0.18%

RFDI vs. IDEV - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than IDEV's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. IDEV - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, which matches IDEV's 3.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	3.26%	3.40%	3.30%	3.07%	2.69%	3.05%	2.00%	3.18%	3.16%	1.54%	0.00%
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.24%	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 IDEV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, RFDI and IDEV move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RFDI or IDEV?

IDEV has higher volatility (5.07%) compared to RFDI (4.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs IDEV's -34.77%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or IDEV?

On 5-year performance, IDEV leads with 8.59% vs 8.21% for RFDI. On fees, IDEV is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, RFDI has been the lower-risk option at 4.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or IDEV?

Over the 5-year period, IDEV has performed better with a 8.59% return vs 8.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or IDEV?

IDEV is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

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

IDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 3.24% for RFDI.

What is the main difference between RFDI and IDEV?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.05% for IDEV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.54), 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.