RFFC vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

RFFC (ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. RFFC is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFFC returned 12.09%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFFC charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

RFFC vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFFC achieves a 12.37% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 15.05% return.

RFFC

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 1.81%
• 6M: 9.26%
• YTD: 12.37%
• 1Y: 25.00%
• 3Y*: 20.03%
• 5Y*: 12.09%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

RAFE

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.02%
• 6M: 13.19%
• YTD: 15.05%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

RFFC vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
RFFC ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF	12.37%	16.83%	23.51%	19.50%	-14.58%	22.33%	12.48%	0.80%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.05%	17.60%	13.81%	18.80%	-13.76%	30.16%	5.29%	0.43%

Correlation

The correlation between RFFC and RAFE 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	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2019	0.87

The correlation between RFFC and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFFC vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFFC

RFFC Risk / Return Rank: 77
RFFC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
RFFC Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
RFFC Omega Ratio Rank: 77
RFFC Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
RFFC Martin Ratio Rank: 81

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 88
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 88
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

RFFC vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	RFFC	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.42	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	3.39	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	3.68	-0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.30	14.34	-2.04

RFFC vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFFC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFFC and RAFE, 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

RFFC vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFFC drawdown since its inception was -36.26%, roughly equal to the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFFC and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFFC	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.26%	-35.74%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.25%	-7.46%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.45%	-16.36%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.29%	-24.28%	+1.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.62%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-6.12%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	1.91%	+0.13%

Volatility

RFFC vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) has a higher volatility of 2.99% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 2.40%. This indicates that RFFC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RAFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFFC	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	2.40%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	8.61%	+1.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.39%	11.34%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.33%	15.07%	+1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.96%	19.32%	-1.36%

RFFC vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFFC has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFFC vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

RFFC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFFC ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF	0.63%	0.78%	1.05%	1.35%	1.41%	0.71%	1.79%	1.34%	1.36%	0.93%	0.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFFC and RAFE in my portfolio?

RFFC and RAFE 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, RFFC or RAFE?

RFFC has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to RAFE (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFFC dropped -36.26% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, RFFC or RAFE?

On 5-year performance, RFFC leads with 12.09% vs 11.38% for RAFE. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 2.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFFC or RAFE?

Over the 5-year period, RFFC has performed better with a 12.09% return vs 11.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFFC or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for RFFC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFFC or RAFE?

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.63% for RFFC.

What is the main difference between RFFC and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for RFFC and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.03), 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.