TRFM vs. ALAI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and ALAI (Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. TRFM is passively managed, while ALAI is actively managed. Over the past year, TRFM returned 53.69% vs 63.92% for ALAI. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ALAI.

Performance

TRFM vs. ALAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFM achieves a 30.30% return, which is significantly higher than ALAI's 27.17% return.

TRFM

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 12.40%
• YTD: 30.30%
• 6M: 29.25%
• 1Y: 53.69%
• 3Y*: 31.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ALAI

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 13.53%
• YTD: 27.17%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 63.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TRFM vs. ALAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	30.30%	25.76%	14.60%
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	27.17%	39.81%	31.43%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and ALAI is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2024	0.85

The correlation between TRFM and ALAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFM vs. ALAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFM	ALAI
Technology	53.3%	55.9%
Consumer Cyclical	17.7%	13.7%
Communication Services	12.3%	20.1%
Industrials	7.2%	3.2%
Energy	3.5%	-
Financial Services	2.8%	2.3%
Utilities	1.7%	2.0%
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. ALAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 71
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 64
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

ALAI

ALAI Risk / Return Rank: 70
ALAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ALAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
ALAI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
ALAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ALAI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. ALAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI). 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.

	TRFM	ALAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	2.67	-0.27
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	3.27	-0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	3.30	+0.86
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.09	10.58	+3.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TRFM vs. ALAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the ALAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and ALAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TRFM	ALAI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	2.67	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	1.71	-0.65

Drawdowns

TRFM vs. ALAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, roughly equal to the maximum ALAI drawdown of -29.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and ALAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	ALAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-29.36%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-19.48%	+6.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-1.69%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.61%	-5.14%	-1.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	6.06%	-2.24%

Volatility

TRFM vs. ALAI - Volatility Comparison

AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a higher volatility of 7.34% compared to Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) at 6.97%. This indicates that TRFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ALAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	ALAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.34%	6.97%	+0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.46%	18.57%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	24.06%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.94%	28.41%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.94%	28.41%	-1.47%

TRFM vs. ALAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than ALAI's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. ALAI - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than ALAI's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ALAI Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF	1.18%	1.50%	0.66%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and ALAI in my portfolio?

TRFM and ALAI have a correlation of 0.84, 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 ALAI?

TRFM has higher volatility (7.34%) compared to ALAI (6.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs ALAI's -29.36%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or ALAI?

On 1-year performance, ALAI leads with 63.92% vs 53.69% for TRFM. On fees, TRFM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, ALAI has been the lower-risk option at 6.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or ALAI?

Over the 1-year period, ALAI has performed better with a 63.92% return vs 53.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or ALAI?

TRFM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ALAI.

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

ALAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.13% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between TRFM and ALAI?

They also come from different issuers: AAM and Alger. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 0.55% for ALAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 2.41), 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.