SAWG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SAWG (AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SAWG returned 16.75% vs 25.01% for RFDA. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAWG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

SAWG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAWG achieves a 5.48% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 10.33% return.

SAWG

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 5.48%
• 6M: 4.15%
• 1Y: 16.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 10.33%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 25.01%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: 13.35%

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

SAWG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	5.48%	11.30%	6.07%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.33%	16.42%	4.54%

Correlation

The correlation between SAWG and RFDA is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2024	0.80

The correlation between SAWG and RFDA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAWG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAWG	RFDA
Technology	46.2%	21.1%
Healthcare	14.4%	9.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	7.4%
Financial Services	8.6%	14.4%
Communication Services	8.4%	8.3%
Industrials	7.4%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	7.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Energy	-	11.7%
Real Estate	-	4.9%
Utilities	-	4.8%

Return for Risk

SAWG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAWG

SAWG Risk / Return Rank: 39
SAWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SAWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SAWG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SAWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
SAWG Martin Ratio Rank: 42

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SAWG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	SAWG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	2.15	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	2.98	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.40	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	4.61	-3.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.10	16.42	-10.32

SAWG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAWG Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is lower than the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAWG and RFDA, 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

SAWG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAWG drawdown since its inception was -18.68%, smaller than the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAWG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAWG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.68%	-34.60%	+15.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-5.45%	-5.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.43%	-2.06%	-1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-3.73%	+1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	1.53%	+1.22%

Volatility

SAWG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) has a higher volatility of 4.50% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.21%. This indicates that SAWG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAWG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.50%	3.21%	+1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.34%	8.78%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.90%	11.71%	+1.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.25%	15.75%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.25%	16.87%	-0.62%

SAWG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAWG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAWG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

SAWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than RFDA's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.81%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%
SAWG AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF	0.26%	0.27%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAWG and RFDA in my portfolio?

SAWG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAWG or RFDA?

SAWG has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to RFDA (3.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAWG dropped -18.68% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, SAWG or RFDA?

On 1-year performance, RFDA leads with 25.01% vs 16.75% for SAWG. On fees, SAWG is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 3.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAWG or RFDA?

Over the 1-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 25.01% return vs 16.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAWG or RFDA?

SAWG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAWG or RFDA?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.26% for SAWG.

What is the main difference between SAWG and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for SAWG and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.31), 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.