RISN vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RISN (Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RISN is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Inspire, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, RISN returned 4.57%/yr vs 8.07%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RISN charges 0.82%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

RISN vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF (RISN) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RISN achieves a 6.51% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 25.73% return.

RISN

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 4.49%
• YTD: 6.51%
• 6M: 4.83%
• 1Y: 15.61%
• 3Y*: 12.08%
• 5Y*: 4.57%
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 25.73%
• 6M: 23.17%
• 1Y: 40.73%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

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

RISN vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RISN Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF	6.51%	10.83%	7.61%	10.29%	-18.06%	22.47%	7.73%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.73%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	12.34%	6.59%

Correlation

The correlation between RISN and FAAR is -0.09, 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	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2020	0.08

The correlation between RISN and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.08 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RISN vs. FAAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RISN	FAAR
Industrials	27.1%	-
Financial Services	22.2%	100.0%
Technology	18.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	-
Energy	6.8%	-
Healthcare	4.5%	-
Communication Services	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	2.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RISN vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

RISN

RISN Risk / Return Rank: 39
RISN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
RISN Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
RISN Omega Ratio Rank: 33
RISN Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
RISN Martin Ratio Rank: 44

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

RISN vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF (RISN) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	RISN	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	3.04	-1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	4.23	-2.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.52	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	8.44	-6.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.14	23.64	-16.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RISN vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RISN Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RISN and FAAR, 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

	RISN	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	3.04	-1.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.62	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.45	+0.20

Drawdowns

RISN vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RISN drawdown since its inception was -21.88%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RISN and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RISN	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.88%	-18.03%	-3.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.42%	-4.85%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.37%	-11.54%	-4.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.88%	-18.03%	-3.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-1.11%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.52%	-7.85%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	1.73%	+0.46%

Volatility

RISN vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF (RISN) has a higher volatility of 3.79% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.44%. This indicates that RISN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RISN	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	2.44%	+1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.46%	9.72%	-0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.90%	13.48%	-1.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.18%	13.02%	-1.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.34%	11.51%	-0.17%

RISN vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

RISN has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RISN vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

RISN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than FAAR's 9.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.15%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
RISN Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF	1.03%	0.98%	1.39%	2.05%	1.27%	9.74%	4.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RISN and FAAR in my portfolio?

RISN and FAAR have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RISN or FAAR?

RISN has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to FAAR (2.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RISN dropped -21.88% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, RISN or FAAR?

On 5-year performance, FAAR leads with 8.07% vs 4.57% for RISN. On fees, RISN is cheaper at 0.82% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RISN or FAAR?

Over the 5-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 8.07% return vs 4.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RISN or FAAR?

RISN is cheaper with a 0.82% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RISN or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.15%, compared with 1.03% for RISN.

What is the main difference between RISN and FAAR?

RISN is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Inspire and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.82% for RISN and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 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.