RFDI vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. RFDI is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFDI returned 8.56%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

RFDI vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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 VEA's 14.92% return. Over the past 10 years, RFDI has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 8.56%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.17% annualized 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%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

RFDI vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	7.65%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	-23.57%	17.36%	9.16%	20.47%	-18.26%	24.08%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and VEA is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2016	0.94

The correlation between RFDI and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	VEA
Financial Services	27.2%	23.3%
Energy	11.5%	5.4%
Industrials	11.3%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	7.5%
Healthcare	8.8%	8.2%
Technology	7.9%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	5.6%
Communication Services	4.8%	3.4%
Utilities	4.7%	3.3%
Basic Materials	4.6%	7.5%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.7%

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. VEA — 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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	2.09	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.87	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.38	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	2.81	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.55	10.94	-2.39
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. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and VEA, 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	2.09	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.58	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.59	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.25	+0.25

Drawdowns

RFDI vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-60.68%	+21.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-11.63%	+1.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-13.45%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-29.71%	-6.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	-35.73%	-3.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.51%	-0.90%	-1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.24%	-13.29%	+4.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.98%	-0.17%

Volatility

RFDI vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 4.65%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that RFDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	5.66%	-1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	13.32%	-1.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	15.66%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.76%	16.55%	+0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	17.36%	0.00%

RFDI vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.28%, more than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, RFDI and VEA 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to RFDI (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.17% vs 8.56% for RFDI. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.17% return vs 8.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

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

RFDI has the higher dividend yield at 3.28%, compared with 2.62% for VEA.

What is the main difference between RFDI and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.67), 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.