RFDI vs. IDOG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. RFDI is actively managed, while IDOG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFDI returned 9.44%/yr vs 11.26%/yr for IDOG. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IDOG.

Performance

RFDI vs. IDOG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDI achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly lower than IDOG's 10.07% return. Over the past 10 years, RFDI has underperformed IDOG with an annualized return of 9.44%, while IDOG has yielded a comparatively higher 11.26% annualized return.

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%

IDOG

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -3.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 10.27%
• 1Y: 30.43%
• 3Y*: 20.17%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

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

RFDI vs. IDOG - 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%	24.08%
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	10.07%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and IDOG is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 2016	0.86

The correlation between RFDI and IDOG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. IDOG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	IDOG
Financial Services	27.8%	11.3%
Industrials	11.6%	12.2%
Energy	10.6%	10.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	9.6%
Healthcare	8.6%	8.9%
Technology	7.6%	9.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	9.1%
Communication Services	5.1%	9.8%
Basic Materials	5.0%	10.2%
Utilities	4.4%	9.6%
Real Estate	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. IDOG — 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

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 76
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. IDOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). 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	IDOG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.20	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.96	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.38	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	4.72	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.98	15.97	-6.99

RFDI vs. IDOG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the IDOG Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and IDOG, 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. IDOG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, which is greater than IDOG's maximum drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and IDOG.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	IDOG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-37.32%	-2.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-6.47%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-13.92%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-25.31%	-10.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	-37.32%	-2.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-4.45%	+2.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.20%	-7.90%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	1.91%	+0.92%

Volatility

RFDI vs. IDOG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 4.56%, while ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) has a volatility of 4.87%. This indicates that RFDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IDOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	IDOG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.56%	4.87%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.49%	10.94%	+1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.84%	13.89%	+0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	15.69%	+1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	17.18%	-0.08%

RFDI vs. IDOG - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than IDOG's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. IDOG - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, less than IDOG's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	4.47%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and IDOG in my portfolio?

RFDI and IDOG have a correlation of 0.82, 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 IDOG?

IDOG has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to RFDI (4.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs IDOG's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or IDOG?

On 10-year performance, IDOG leads with 11.26% vs 9.44% for RFDI. On fees, IDOG is cheaper at 0.50% 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 IDOG?

Over the 10-year period, IDOG has performed better with a 11.26% return vs 9.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or IDOG?

IDOG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

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

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 3.24% for RFDI.

What is the main difference between RFDI and IDOG?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.50% for IDOG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.71), 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.