SEA vs. RBLD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SEA (U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF) and RBLD (First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - SEA tracks the U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo Index - Benchmark TR Gross while RBLD tracks the Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SEA returned 18.48%/yr vs 21.91%/yr for RBLD. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SEA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for RBLD.

Performance

SEA vs. RBLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) and First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEA achieves a 18.38% return, which is significantly lower than RBLD's 20.20% return.

SEA

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -3.09%
• YTD: 18.38%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 27.07%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RBLD

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 20.20%
• 6M: 18.74%
• 1Y: 27.47%
• 3Y*: 21.91%
• 5Y*: 11.72%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

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

SEA vs. RBLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SEA U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF	18.38%	16.78%	2.52%	19.33%	-18.36%
RBLD First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF	20.20%	13.99%	17.94%	19.36%	-8.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SEA and RBLD is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2022	0.53

The correlation between SEA and RBLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEA vs. RBLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEA	RBLD
Industrials	83.8%	40.4%
Energy	16.2%	8.7%
Communication Services	0.0%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	4.9%
Utilities	-	27.6%
Technology	-1.6%	11.8%

Return for Risk

SEA vs. RBLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEA

SEA Risk / Return Rank: 56
SEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SEA Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SEA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

RBLD

RBLD Risk / Return Rank: 72
RBLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
RBLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
RBLD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
RBLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
RBLD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

SEA vs. RBLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) and First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD). 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.

	SEA	RBLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.99	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.68	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	3.84	-1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.18	13.03	-2.85

SEA vs. RBLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the RBLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEA and RBLD, 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

SEA vs. RBLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEA drawdown since its inception was -39.53%, smaller than the maximum RBLD drawdown of -50.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEA and RBLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEA	RBLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.53%	-50.07%	+10.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.67%	-7.19%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.42%	-19.14%	-13.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.54%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.00%	-1.08%	-3.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.16%	-10.81%	-3.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.11%	+0.56%

Volatility

SEA vs. RBLD - Volatility Comparison

U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) has a higher volatility of 5.35% compared to First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) at 4.87%. This indicates that SEA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RBLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEA	RBLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.35%	4.87%	+0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	10.87%	+1.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.57%	13.93%	+2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.64%	16.84%	+4.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.64%	18.61%	+3.03%

SEA vs. RBLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than RBLD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEA vs. RBLD - Dividend Comparison

SEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.71%, more than RBLD's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RBLD First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF	1.01%	1.19%	1.31%	1.16%	2.10%	1.45%	2.88%	1.84%	1.74%	1.49%	2.01%	1.17%
SEA U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF	5.71%	6.76%	18.47%	9.85%	18.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEA and RBLD in my portfolio?

SEA and RBLD have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEA or RBLD?

SEA has higher volatility (5.35%) compared to RBLD (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEA dropped -39.53% vs RBLD's -50.07%.

Which ETF is better, SEA or RBLD?

On 3-year performance, RBLD leads with 21.91% vs 18.48% for SEA. On fees, SEA is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, RBLD has been the lower-risk option at 4.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEA or RBLD?

Over the 3-year period, RBLD has performed better with a 21.91% return vs 18.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEA or RBLD?

SEA is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for RBLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEA or RBLD?

SEA has the higher dividend yield at 5.71%, compared with 1.01% for RBLD.

What is the main difference between SEA and RBLD?

SEA tracks U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while RBLD tracks Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: US Global and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SEA and 0.65% for RBLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RBLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.64), 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.