RKNG vs. RTH

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RKNG (Defiance Retail Kings ETF) and RTH (VanEck Vectors Retail ETF) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds. RKNG is actively managed, while RTH is passively managed. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RKNG charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RTH.

Performance

RKNG vs. RTH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Retail Kings ETF (RKNG) and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

RKNG

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 12.39%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RTH

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -4.32%
• YTD: 2.91%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 9.12%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 9.58%
• 10Y*: 14.02%

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

RKNG vs. RTH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RKNG Defiance Retail Kings ETF	16.03%
RTH VanEck Vectors Retail ETF	-2.65%

Correlation

The correlation between RKNG and RTH is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2026	0.24

Return for Risk

RKNG vs. RTH — Risk / Return Rank

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

RTH

RTH Risk / Return Rank: 24
RTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
RTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
RTH Omega Ratio Rank: 22
RTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
RTH Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

RKNG vs. RTH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Retail Kings ETF (RKNG) and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RKNG	RTH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.50	+0.36

Drawdowns

RKNG vs. RTH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RKNG drawdown since its inception was -34.21%, smaller than the maximum RTH drawdown of -42.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKNG and RTH.

Drawdown Indicators

	RKNG	RTH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.21%	-42.32%	+8.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.83%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.80%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.00%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-25.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.72%	-4.90%	+2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.80%	-7.34%	-5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.27%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RKNG	RTH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.98%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.62%	12.09%	+46.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	58.62%	16.81%	+41.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.62%	17.54%	+41.08%

RKNG vs. RTH - Expense Ratio Comparison

RKNG has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than RTH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

RKNG vs. RTH - Dividend Comparison

RKNG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RTH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RKNG Defiance Retail Kings ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RTH VanEck Vectors Retail ETF	0.94%	0.97%	0.77%	1.07%	1.16%	0.78%	0.64%	0.91%	1.05%	1.56%	1.84%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RKNG and RTH in my portfolio?

RKNG and RTH have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RKNG or RTH?

On fees, RTH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RKNG or RTH?

RTH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for RKNG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RKNG or RTH?

RTH has the higher dividend yield at 0.94%, compared with 0.00% for RKNG.

What is the main difference between RKNG and RTH?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for RKNG and 0.35% for RTH.