TRFM vs. IDGT

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and IDGT (iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TRFM tracks the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross while IDGT tracks the S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFM returned 23.94%/yr vs 19.13%/yr for IDGT. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IDGT.

Performance

TRFM vs. IDGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFM achieves a 21.39% return, which is significantly lower than IDGT's 33.83% return.

TRFM

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -4.62%
• 6M: 14.69%
• YTD: 21.39%
• 1Y: 32.11%
• 3Y*: 23.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IDGT

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: -7.33%
• 6M: 28.90%
• YTD: 33.83%
• 1Y: 37.56%
• 3Y*: 19.13%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: 12.78%

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

TRFM vs. IDGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	21.39%	25.76%	19.96%	44.71%	-9.92%
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	33.83%	6.79%	26.71%	-6.09%	15.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and IDGT is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 12, 2022	0.76

The correlation between TRFM and IDGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFM vs. IDGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFM	IDGT
Technology	55.5%	57.5%
Industrials	22.3%	-
Utilities	8.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	-
Communication Services	5.9%	6.9%
Energy	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Financial Services	1.0%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Real Estate	-	35.5%

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. IDGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFM

TRFM Risk / Return Rank: 51
TRFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
TRFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
TRFM Omega Ratio Rank: 42
TRFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TRFM Martin Ratio Rank: 58

IDGT

IDGT Risk / Return Rank: 63
IDGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
IDGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
IDGT Omega Ratio Rank: 61
IDGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
IDGT Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. IDGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT). 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	IDGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.70	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.30	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.29	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	2.56	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	8.78	-1.03

TRFM vs. IDGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the IDGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and IDGT, 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. IDGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum IDGT drawdown of -77.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and IDGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	IDGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-77.95%	+49.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-14.73%	+1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-22.76%	-5.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.44%	-14.41%	+5.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.54%	-19.86%	+13.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	4.29%	-0.14%

Volatility

TRFM vs. IDGT - Volatility Comparison

AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a higher volatility of 8.34% compared to iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) at 7.11%. This indicates that TRFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IDGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	IDGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.34%	7.11%	+1.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.44%	18.73%	+1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.09%	22.16%	+2.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.27%	23.48%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.27%	23.32%	+3.95%

TRFM vs. IDGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IDGT's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. IDGT - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than IDGT's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	0.80%	1.17%	1.64%	0.37%	0.30%	0.28%	0.60%	0.42%	0.65%	0.57%	0.75%	0.72%
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.14%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and IDGT in my portfolio?

TRFM and IDGT have a correlation of 0.76, 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 IDGT?

TRFM has higher volatility (8.34%) compared to IDGT (7.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs IDGT's -77.95%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or IDGT?

On 3-year performance, TRFM leads with 23.94% vs 19.13% for IDGT. On fees, IDGT is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IDGT has been the lower-risk option at 7.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or IDGT?

Over the 3-year period, TRFM has performed better with a 23.94% return vs 19.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or IDGT?

IDGT is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for TRFM.

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

IDGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.14% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between TRFM and IDGT?

TRFM tracks Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while IDGT tracks S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index. They also come from different issuers: AAM and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 0.39% for IDGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.29), 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.