TESL vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TESL (Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. TESL is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, TESL returned 8.82%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for RFDA. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TESL charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

TESL vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL) 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, TESL achieves a -12.28% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 10.77% return.

TESL

• 1D: -6.80%
• 1M: -14.12%
• YTD: -12.28%
• 6M: -17.99%
• 1Y: -31.81%
• 3Y*: 26.19%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 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)

TESL vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
TESL Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF	-12.28%	-14.73%	152.27%	58.33%	-61.11%	18.52%	2.57%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.77%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	-0.11%

Correlation

The correlation between TESL and RFDA is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2020	0.53

The correlation between TESL and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

TESL vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TESL	RFDA
Consumer Cyclical	100.0%	7.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Communication Services	-	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.0%
Energy	-	11.7%
Financial Services	-	14.4%
Healthcare	-	9.7%
Industrials	-	8.6%
Real Estate	-	4.9%
Technology	-	21.1%
Utilities	-	4.8%

Return for Risk

TESL vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TESL

TESL Risk / Return Rank: 5
TESL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
TESL Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
TESL Omega Ratio Rank: 5
TESL Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
TESL Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

TESL vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL) 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.

	TESL	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.57	2.28	-2.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.56	3.14	-3.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.42	-0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.57	4.90	-5.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.98	17.52	-18.50

TESL vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TESL Sharpe Ratio is -0.57, which is lower than the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TESL 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

TESL vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TESL drawdown since its inception was -69.11%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TESL and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TESL	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.11%	-34.60%	-34.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.12%	-5.45%	-50.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.12%	-19.35%	-36.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.11%	-19.35%	-49.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-45.57%	-1.67%	-43.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.71%	-3.73%	-33.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	32.64%	1.52%	+31.12%

Volatility

TESL vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL) has a higher volatility of 15.88% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.29%. This indicates that TESL'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

	TESL	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.88%	3.29%	+12.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.68%	8.77%	+32.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.85%	11.72%	+46.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.05%	15.75%	+35.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.14%	16.87%	+33.27%

TESL vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TESL has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

TESL vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

TESL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 26.22%, more 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%
TESL Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF	26.22%	23.87%	0.62%	0.00%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TESL and RFDA in my portfolio?

TESL and RFDA have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TESL or RFDA?

TESL has higher volatility (15.88%) compared to RFDA (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TESL dropped -69.11% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, TESL or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, RFDA leads with 12.89% vs 8.82% for TESL. On fees, RFDA is cheaper at 0.52% 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, TESL or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 12.89% return vs 8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TESL or RFDA?

RFDA is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for TESL.

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

TESL has the higher dividend yield at 26.22%, compared with 1.80% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between TESL and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for TESL and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs -0.57), 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.