RIFR vs. FAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RIFR (Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF) and FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RIFR is a Industrials Equities fund actively managed by Russell, while FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index. RIFR is actively managed, while FAI is passively managed. Over the past year, RIFR returned 15.06% vs 56.66% for FAI. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. RIFR charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FAI.

Performance

RIFR vs. FAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) and First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RIFR achieves a 10.16% return, which is significantly lower than FAI's 27.58% return.

RIFR

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -0.61%
• YTD: 10.16%
• 6M: 10.36%
• 1Y: 15.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAI

• 1D: -4.82%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 27.58%
• 6M: 26.62%
• 1Y: 56.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RIFR vs. FAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RIFR Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF	10.16%	7.25%
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	27.58%	30.37%

Correlation

The correlation between RIFR and FAI is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	-0.06

Return for Risk

RIFR vs. FAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIFR

RIFR Risk / Return Rank: 45
RIFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
RIFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
RIFR Omega Ratio Rank: 42
RIFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
RIFR Martin Ratio Rank: 45

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 64
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

RIFR vs. FAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) and First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI). 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.

	RIFR	FAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	2.08	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.56	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.35	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.02	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.82	9.38	-2.55

RIFR vs. FAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIFR Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is lower than the FAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIFR and FAI, 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

RIFR vs. FAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIFR drawdown since its inception was -6.80%, smaller than the maximum FAI drawdown of -27.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIFR and FAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIFR	FAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.80%	-27.82%	+21.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-18.84%	+12.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.82%	-9.38%	+6.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-5.37%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	6.06%	-3.85%

Volatility

RIFR vs. FAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is 3.31%, while First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) has a volatility of 14.67%. This indicates that RIFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIFR	FAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	14.67%	-11.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.69%	22.72%	-14.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.64%	27.43%	-16.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.67%	31.12%	-20.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.67%	31.12%	-20.45%

RIFR vs. FAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIFR has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than FAI's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIFR vs. FAI - Dividend Comparison

RIFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, while FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%
RIFR Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF	0.89%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RIFR and FAI in my portfolio?

RIFR and FAI have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RIFR or FAI?

FAI has higher volatility (14.67%) compared to RIFR (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIFR dropped -6.80% vs FAI's -27.82%.

Which ETF is better, RIFR or FAI?

On 1-year performance, FAI leads with 56.66% vs 15.06% for RIFR. On fees, RIFR is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, RIFR has been the lower-risk option at 3.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIFR or FAI?

Over the 1-year period, FAI has performed better with a 56.66% return vs 15.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIFR or FAI?

RIFR is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RIFR or FAI?

RIFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between RIFR and FAI?

RIFR is categorized as Industrials Equities, while FAI is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Russell and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for RIFR and 0.65% for FAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.42), 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.