TRFM vs. BTAL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and BTAL (AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - TRFM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while BTAL is a Equity Market Neutral fund actively managed by AGF. TRFM is passively managed, while BTAL is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFM returned 29.94%/yr vs -13.04%/yr for BTAL. At a correlation of -0.80, they often move in opposite directions. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 1.40%/yr for BTAL.

Performance

TRFM vs. BTAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFM achieves a 26.82% return, which is significantly higher than BTAL's -21.82% return.

TRFM

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 26.82%
• 6M: 24.89%
• 1Y: 43.37%
• 3Y*: 29.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BTAL

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: -7.79%
• YTD: -21.82%
• 6M: -20.63%
• 1Y: -35.93%
• 3Y*: -13.04%
• 5Y*: -5.19%
• 10Y*: -5.51%

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

TRFM vs. BTAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	26.82%	25.76%	19.96%	44.71%	-9.92%
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	-21.82%	-20.17%	12.83%	-15.11%	1.14%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and BTAL is -0.83, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 12, 2022	-0.80

The correlation between TRFM and BTAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.83 to -0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. BTAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 62
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

BTAL

BTAL Risk / Return Rank: 0
BTAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BTAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BTAL Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BTAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
BTAL Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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. BTAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL). 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	BTAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	-1.58	+3.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	-2.46	+4.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	0.74	+0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	-0.96	+4.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.85	-1.81	+12.66

TRFM vs. BTAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the BTAL Sharpe Ratio of -1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and BTAL, 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. BTAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum BTAL drawdown of -52.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and BTAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	BTAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-52.70%	+24.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-37.60%	+24.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-47.83%	+19.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-47.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-52.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.87%	-51.27%	+47.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.58%	-22.06%	+15.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.01%	20.14%	-16.13%

Volatility

TRFM vs. BTAL - Volatility Comparison

AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a higher volatility of 11.26% compared to AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (BTAL) at 9.29%. This indicates that TRFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	BTAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.26%	9.29%	+1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.61%	16.70%	+2.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.43%	22.83%	+1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.26%	19.10%	+8.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.26%	17.35%	+9.91%

TRFM vs. BTAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than BTAL's 1.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. BTAL - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than BTAL's 3.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BTAL AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund	3.18%	2.49%	3.49%	6.14%	1.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.88%	0.39%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and BTAL in my portfolio?

TRFM and BTAL have a correlation of -0.83, 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 BTAL?

TRFM has higher volatility (11.26%) compared to BTAL (9.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs BTAL's -52.70%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or BTAL?

On 3-year performance, TRFM leads with 29.94% vs -13.04% for BTAL. On fees, TRFM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, BTAL has been the lower-risk option at 9.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or BTAL?

Over the 3-year period, TRFM has performed better with a 29.94% return vs -13.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or BTAL?

TRFM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 1.40% for BTAL.

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

BTAL has the higher dividend yield at 3.18%, compared with 0.13% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between TRFM and BTAL?

TRFM is categorized as Technology Equities, while BTAL is Equity Market Neutral. They also come from different issuers: AAM and AGF. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 1.40% for BTAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs -1.58), 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.