TBFG vs. ELM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TBFG (The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF) and ELM (Elm Market Navigator ETF) are both Tactical Allocation funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, TBFG returned 21.35% vs 17.21% for ELM. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TBFG charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for ELM.

Performance

TBFG vs. ELM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF (TBFG) and Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TBFG achieves a 8.68% return, which is significantly higher than ELM's 6.28% return.

TBFG

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 8.68%
• 6M: 8.23%
• 1Y: 21.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ELM

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 6M: 6.39%
• 1Y: 17.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TBFG vs. ELM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TBFG The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF	8.68%	11.00%
ELM Elm Market Navigator ETF	6.28%	11.88%

Correlation

The correlation between TBFG and ELM is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	0.92

The correlation between TBFG and ELM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TBFG vs. ELM — Risk / Return Rank

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

TBFG

TBFG Risk / Return Rank: 67
TBFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
TBFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
TBFG Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TBFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TBFG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

ELM

ELM Risk / Return Rank: 56
ELM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ELM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ELM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
ELM Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
ELM Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

TBFG vs. ELM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF (TBFG) and Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM). 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.

	TBFG	ELM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.77	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	2.47	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.30	+0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.85	9.37	+2.48

TBFG vs. ELM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TBFG Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the ELM Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TBFG and ELM, 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

TBFG vs. ELM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TBFG drawdown since its inception was -13.43%, which is greater than ELM's maximum drawdown of -9.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TBFG and ELM.

Drawdown Indicators

	TBFG	ELM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.43%	-9.02%	-4.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.63%	-7.52%	-0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.87%	-1.76%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.62%	-1.32%	-0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.81%	1.84%	-0.03%

Volatility

TBFG vs. ELM - Volatility Comparison

The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF (TBFG) has a higher volatility of 4.66% compared to Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM) at 3.63%. This indicates that TBFG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ELM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TBFG	ELM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.66%	3.63%	+1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	8.11%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.55%	9.79%	+0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.18%	10.46%	+0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.18%	10.46%	+0.72%

TBFG vs. ELM - Expense Ratio Comparison

TBFG has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than ELM's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

TBFG vs. ELM - Dividend Comparison

TBFG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than ELM's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ELM Elm Market Navigator ETF	2.55%	2.71%	0.00%
TBFG The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF	2.39%	2.65%	2.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TBFG and ELM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, TBFG and ELM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, TBFG or ELM?

TBFG has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to ELM (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TBFG dropped -13.43% vs ELM's -9.02%.

Which ETF is better, TBFG or ELM?

On 1-year performance, TBFG leads with 21.35% vs 17.21% for ELM. On fees, ELM is cheaper at 0.24% per year. On volatility, ELM has been the lower-risk option at 3.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TBFG or ELM?

Over the 1-year period, TBFG has performed better with a 21.35% return vs 17.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TBFG or ELM?

ELM is cheaper with a 0.24% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for TBFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TBFG or ELM?

ELM has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 2.39% for TBFG.

What is the main difference between TBFG and ELM?

They also come from different issuers: The Brinsmere Funds and Elm. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for TBFG and 0.24% for ELM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TBFG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.77), 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.