RNDV vs. SAMT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RNDV (US Equity Dividend Select ETF) and SAMT (Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. RNDV is passively managed, while SAMT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RNDV returned 17.67%/yr vs 28.84%/yr for SAMT. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RNDV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for SAMT.

Performance

RNDV vs. SAMT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in US Equity Dividend Select ETF (RNDV) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNDV achieves a 16.69% return, which is significantly lower than SAMT's 20.25% return.

RNDV

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 8.04%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 16.73%
• 1Y: 31.60%
• 3Y*: 17.67%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: —

SAMT

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 6.66%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 6M: 23.92%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 28.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RNDV vs. SAMT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
RNDV US Equity Dividend Select ETF	16.69%	14.27%	11.05%	9.77%	-5.06%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	20.25%	33.10%	28.15%	1.27%	-6.59%

Correlation

The correlation between RNDV and SAMT is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2022	0.65

The correlation between RNDV and SAMT shifts across timeframes, from 0.45 (1 year) to 0.65 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RNDV vs. SAMT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RNDV	SAMT
Technology	34.0%	27.8%
Healthcare	13.6%	4.3%
Financial Services	10.7%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	5.6%
Industrials	9.4%	22.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	12.0%
Energy	5.0%	2.9%
Communication Services	4.8%	7.8%
Utilities	2.6%	6.6%
Real Estate	2.4%	2.9%
Basic Materials	1.7%	2.7%

Return for Risk

RNDV vs. SAMT — Risk / Return Rank

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

RNDV

RNDV Risk / Return Rank: 69
RNDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
RNDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
RNDV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
RNDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
RNDV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SAMT

SAMT Risk / Return Rank: 77
SAMT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
SAMT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SAMT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SAMT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SAMT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

RNDV vs. SAMT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for US Equity Dividend Select ETF (RNDV) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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.

	RNDV	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.53	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	3.35	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.42	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	5.19	-1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.35	14.30	-2.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RNDV vs. SAMT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the SAMT Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNDV and SAMT, 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

	RNDV	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	2.53	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.98	-0.36

Drawdowns

RNDV vs. SAMT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNDV drawdown since its inception was -37.44%, which is greater than SAMT's maximum drawdown of -20.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNDV and SAMT.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNDV	SAMT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.44%	-20.57%	-16.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-8.15%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.70%	-18.27%	-1.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-0.66%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-7.72%	+2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.95%	-0.16%

Volatility

RNDV vs. SAMT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for US Equity Dividend Select ETF (RNDV) is 3.82%, while Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) has a volatility of 6.82%. This indicates that RNDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAMT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNDV	SAMT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.82%	6.82%	-3.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	12.56%	-2.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.58%	16.68%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	16.94%	-0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.87%	16.94%	+1.93%

RNDV vs. SAMT - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNDV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than SAMT's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNDV vs. SAMT - Dividend Comparison

RNDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than SAMT's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNDV US Equity Dividend Select ETF	2.33%	2.70%	2.55%	3.10%	2.52%	1.95%	2.44%	2.85%	4.09%	1.10%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	0.58%	0.70%	1.40%	1.49%	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNDV and SAMT in my portfolio?

RNDV and SAMT have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RNDV or SAMT?

SAMT has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to RNDV (3.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNDV dropped -37.44% vs SAMT's -20.57%.

Which ETF is better, RNDV or SAMT?

On 3-year performance, SAMT leads with 28.84% vs 17.67% for RNDV. On fees, RNDV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RNDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RNDV or SAMT?

Over the 3-year period, SAMT has performed better with a 28.84% return vs 17.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RNDV or SAMT?

RNDV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RNDV or SAMT?

RNDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 0.58% for SAMT.

What is the main difference between RNDV and SAMT?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Strategas. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RNDV and 0.66% for SAMT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAMT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.34), 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.