STLG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STLG (iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. STLG is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, STLG returned 18.36%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for RFDA. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STLG charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

STLG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF (STLG) 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, STLG achieves a 16.17% return, which is significantly higher than RFDA's 10.77% return.

STLG

• 1D: -2.76%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 16.17%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 36.49%
• 3Y*: 30.82%
• 5Y*: 18.36%
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 10.77%
• 6M: 9.90%
• 1Y: 26.59%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 13.39%

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

STLG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
STLG iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF	16.17%	21.49%	37.42%	42.86%	-26.75%	27.99%	26.51%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.77%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	9.89%

Correlation

The correlation between STLG and RFDA is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2020	0.79

The correlation between STLG and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (1 year) to 0.80 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

STLG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STLG	RFDA
Technology	54.2%	21.1%
Consumer Cyclical	16.7%	7.4%
Healthcare	8.8%	9.7%
Communication Services	6.3%	8.3%
Industrials	5.7%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	7.0%
Financial Services	2.2%	14.4%
Utilities	1.6%	4.8%
Energy	1.1%	11.7%
Basic Materials	0.2%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.0%	4.9%

Return for Risk

STLG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

STLG

STLG Risk / Return Rank: 58
STLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
STLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
STLG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
STLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
STLG Martin Ratio Rank: 62

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
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.

STLG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF (STLG) 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.

	STLG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.28	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.14	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.42	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	4.90	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.39	17.52	-7.13

STLG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STLG 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

STLG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STLG drawdown since its inception was -31.34%, smaller than the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STLG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	STLG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.34%	-34.60%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.69%	-5.45%	-8.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.73%	-19.35%	-4.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.61%	-19.35%	-11.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.93%	-1.67%	-3.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-3.73%	-3.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	1.52%	+2.00%

Volatility

STLG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF (STLG) has a higher volatility of 8.62% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.29%. This indicates that STLG'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

	STLG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.62%	3.29%	+5.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.52%	8.77%	+6.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.23%	11.72%	+7.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.22%	15.75%	+6.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.98%	16.87%	+7.11%

STLG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

STLG has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

STLG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

STLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than RFDA's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.80%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%
STLG iShares Factors US Growth Style ETF	0.27%	0.31%	0.38%	0.75%	1.85%	0.67%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STLG and RFDA in my portfolio?

STLG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STLG or RFDA?

STLG has higher volatility (8.62%) compared to RFDA (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STLG dropped -31.34% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, STLG or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, STLG leads with 18.36% vs 12.89% for RFDA. On fees, STLG is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STLG or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, STLG has performed better with a 18.36% return vs 12.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STLG or RFDA?

STLG is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 0.27% for STLG.

What is the main difference between STLG and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for STLG and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.91), 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.