RFMZ vs. PCQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFMZ (RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc.) and PCQ (PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, RFMZ returned -0.75%/yr vs -10.02%/yr for PCQ. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc. (RFMZ) and PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (PCQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFMZ achieves a 10.29% return, which is significantly higher than PCQ's 3.99% return.

RFMZ

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 4.16%
• YTD: 10.29%
• 6M: 9.95%
• 1Y: 15.68%
• 3Y*: 6.75%
• 5Y*: -0.75%
• 10Y*: —

PCQ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 3.99%
• 6M: 4.35%
• 1Y: 9.63%
• 3Y*: 1.30%
• 5Y*: -10.02%
• 10Y*: -1.37%

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

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
RFMZ RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc.	10.29%	2.22%	10.11%	4.54%	-26.41%	3.72%
PCQ PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund	3.99%	1.50%	1.48%	-35.36%	-14.66%	6.85%

Correlation

The correlation between RFMZ and PCQ is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2021	0.34

Return for Risk

RFMZ vs. PCQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFMZ

RFMZ Risk / Return Rank: 49
RFMZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
RFMZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
RFMZ Omega Ratio Rank: 46
RFMZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
RFMZ Martin Ratio Rank: 49

PCQ

PCQ Risk / Return Rank: 19
PCQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
PCQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
PCQ Omega Ratio Rank: 22
PCQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
PCQ Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc. (RFMZ) and PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (PCQ). 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.

	RFMZ	PCQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.24	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	1.78	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.22	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	1.29	+1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.65	3.49	+6.15

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFMZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the PCQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFMZ and PCQ, 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

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFMZ drawdown since its inception was -39.28%, smaller than the maximum PCQ drawdown of -56.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFMZ and PCQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFMZ	PCQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.28%	-56.31%	+17.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.02%	-7.48%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.98%	-19.78%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.28%	-54.86%	+15.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-54.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.50%	-44.65%	+33.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.17%	-12.71%	-7.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	2.76%	-1.13%

Volatility

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Volatility Comparison

RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc. (RFMZ) and PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (PCQ) have volatilities of 2.35% and 2.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFMZ	PCQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.35%	2.42%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.31%	5.99%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.61%	7.86%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.68%	16.53%	-2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.37%	16.86%	-3.49%

Dividends

RFMZ vs. PCQ - Dividend Comparison

RFMZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.41%, more than PCQ's 4.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCQ PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund	4.88%	4.95%	4.78%	4.64%	5.29%	4.20%	4.39%	4.65%	5.72%	5.35%	5.89%	5.89%
RFMZ RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc.	7.41%	8.13%	7.76%	7.92%	8.53%	4.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFMZ and PCQ in my portfolio?

RFMZ and PCQ have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFMZ or PCQ?

PCQ has higher volatility (2.42%) compared to RFMZ (2.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFMZ dropped -39.28% vs PCQ's -56.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFMZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.24), 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.