TRFM vs. AIS

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and AIS (VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. TRFM is passively managed, while AIS is actively managed. Over the past year, TRFM returned 40.89% vs 165.10% for AIS. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for AIS.

Performance

TRFM vs. AIS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFM achieves a 26.90% return, which is significantly lower than AIS's 96.03% return.

TRFM

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 1.21%
• 6M: 20.00%
• YTD: 26.90%
• 1Y: 40.89%
• 3Y*: 26.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIS

• 1D: 2.92%
• 1M: -3.62%
• 6M: 81.47%
• YTD: 96.03%
• 1Y: 165.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TRFM vs. AIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	26.90%	25.76%	-4.07%
AIS VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF	96.03%	58.35%	-4.74%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and AIS is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.89

The correlation between TRFM and AIS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFM vs. AIS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFM	AIS
Technology	55.5%	86.2%
Industrials	22.3%	7.8%
Utilities	8.3%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	-
Communication Services	5.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Financial Services	1.0%	-0.1%
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. AIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 64
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 69

AIS

AIS Risk / Return Rank: 95
AIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
AIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
AIS Omega Ratio Rank: 93
AIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
AIS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

TRFM vs. AIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS). 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.

	TRFM	AIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	3.72	-2.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	3.60	-1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.51	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	8.92	-5.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.05	27.68	-17.63

TRFM vs. AIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is lower than the AIS Sharpe Ratio of 3.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and AIS, 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

TRFM vs. AIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum AIS drawdown of -32.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and AIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	AIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-32.78%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-18.63%	+5.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-16.25%	+11.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.54%	-5.71%	-0.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	5.99%	-1.91%

Volatility

TRFM vs. AIS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) is 8.77%, while VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS) has a volatility of 22.61%. This indicates that TRFM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	AIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.77%	22.61%	-13.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.26%	39.83%	-19.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.90%	44.64%	-19.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.27%	42.54%	-15.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.27%	42.54%	-15.27%

TRFM vs. AIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than AIS's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. AIS - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, while AIS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AIS VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF	0.00%	0.00%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.13%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and AIS in my portfolio?

TRFM and AIS have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRFM or AIS?

AIS has higher volatility (22.61%) compared to TRFM (8.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs AIS's -32.78%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or AIS?

On 1-year performance, AIS leads with 165.10% vs 40.89% for TRFM. On fees, TRFM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, TRFM has been the lower-risk option at 8.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or AIS?

Over the 1-year period, AIS has performed better with a 165.10% return vs 40.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or AIS?

TRFM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TRFM or AIS?

TRFM has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.00% for AIS.

What is the main difference between TRFM and AIS?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and VistaShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 0.75% for AIS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.72 vs 1.65), 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.