RONB vs. FXN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RONB (Baron First Principles ETF) and FXN (First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - RONB is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital, while FXN is a Energy Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Energy Index. RONB is actively managed, while FXN is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. RONB charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for FXN.

Performance

RONB vs. FXN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron First Principles ETF (RONB) and First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RONB achieves a -3.75% return, which is significantly lower than FXN's 36.03% return.

RONB

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: -3.75%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FXN

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 36.03%
• 6M: 30.89%
• 1Y: 52.01%
• 3Y*: 16.66%
• 5Y*: 17.30%
• 10Y*: 6.52%

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

RONB vs. FXN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	-3.75%	-0.33%
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	36.03%	-1.08%

Correlation

The correlation between RONB and FXN is -0.15, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2025	-0.15

Return for Risk

RONB vs. FXN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXN

FXN Risk / Return Rank: 67
FXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FXN Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FXN Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

RONB vs. FXN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron First Principles ETF (RONB) and First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN). 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

	RONB	FXN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.51	0.06	-0.58

Drawdowns

RONB vs. FXN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RONB drawdown since its inception was -13.08%, smaller than the maximum FXN drawdown of -87.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RONB and FXN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RONB	FXN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.08%	-87.39%	+74.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.82%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-31.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.69%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-80.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.80%	-3.71%	-2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.33%	-37.99%	+31.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.17%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RONB	FXN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.08%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	23.55%	-6.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.85%	28.92%	-12.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	35.00%	-18.15%

RONB vs. FXN - Expense Ratio Comparison

RONB has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than FXN's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

RONB vs. FXN - Dividend Comparison

RONB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	1.76%	2.53%	2.50%	3.09%	2.28%	0.87%	4.71%	1.47%	1.43%	1.17%	1.05%	2.36%
RONB Baron First Principles 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RONB and FXN in my portfolio?

RONB and FXN have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RONB or FXN?

On fees, FXN is cheaper at 0.64% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RONB or FXN?

FXN is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for RONB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RONB or FXN?

FXN has the higher dividend yield at 1.76%, compared with 0.00% for RONB.

What is the main difference between RONB and FXN?

RONB is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FXN is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Baron Capital and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for RONB and 0.64% for FXN.