RFDI vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RFDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. RFDI is actively managed, while ROBT is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFDI returned 8.07%/yr vs 2.38%/yr for ROBT. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

RFDI vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDI achieves a 7.65% return, which is significantly lower than ROBT's 14.22% return.

RFDI

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 10.55%
• 1Y: 23.94%
• 3Y*: 19.21%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 8.56%

ROBT

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: 13.18%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 12.64%
• 1Y: 30.71%
• 3Y*: 10.10%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

RFDI vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	7.65%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	-23.57%	17.36%	9.16%	20.47%	-19.41%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	14.22%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and ROBT is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2018	0.75

The correlation between RFDI and ROBT shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RFDI vs. ROBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	ROBT
Financial Services	27.2%	1.6%
Energy	11.5%	1.5%
Industrials	11.3%	20.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	6.6%
Healthcare	8.8%	7.4%
Technology	7.9%	57.0%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	1.4%
Communication Services	4.8%	4.1%
Utilities	4.7%	-
Basic Materials	4.6%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 49
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 48
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 51

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 32
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.

	RFDI	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.32	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	1.88	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.22	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	1.42	+0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.55	4.09	+4.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFDI vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and ROBT, 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

	RFDI	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	1.32	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.09	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.35	+0.14

Drawdowns

RFDI vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-44.47%	+5.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-21.66%	+11.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-27.68%	+14.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-43.26%	+7.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.51%	-1.73%	-0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.24%	-15.97%	+6.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	7.53%	-4.72%

Volatility

RFDI vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 4.65%, while First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a volatility of 6.46%. This indicates that RFDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	6.46%	-1.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	17.51%	-5.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	23.32%	-8.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.76%	25.18%	-8.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	25.48%	-8.12%

RFDI vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.28%, while ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.28%	3.45%	5.21%	2.43%	5.00%	3.22%	1.34%	2.72%	2.59%	1.63%	1.85%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and ROBT in my portfolio?

RFDI and ROBT have a correlation of 0.61, 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 ROBT?

ROBT has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to RFDI (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or ROBT?

On 5-year performance, RFDI leads with 8.07% vs 2.38% for ROBT. On fees, ROBT is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, RFDI has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or ROBT?

Over the 5-year period, RFDI has performed better with a 8.07% return vs 2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or ROBT?

ROBT is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

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

RFDI has the higher dividend yield at 3.28%, compared with 0.00% for ROBT.

What is the main difference between RFDI and ROBT?

RFDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ROBT is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.32), 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.