TRFM vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TRFM tracks the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFM returned 31.63%/yr vs 33.48%/yr for VGT. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

TRFM vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with TRFM having a 30.30% return and VGT slightly higher at 31.64%.

TRFM

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

VGT

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 18.07%
• YTD: 31.64%
• 6M: 30.51%
• 1Y: 60.15%
• 3Y*: 33.48%
• 5Y*: 22.23%
• 10Y*: 25.78%

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

TRFM vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	30.30%	25.76%	19.96%	44.71%	-7.38%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	31.64%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-3.44%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and VGT is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2022	0.90

The correlation between TRFM and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFM vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFM	VGT
Technology	53.3%	98.5%
Consumer Cyclical	17.7%	0.1%
Communication Services	12.3%	0.5%
Industrials	7.2%	0.4%
Energy	3.5%	0.3%
Financial Services	2.8%	0.5%
Utilities	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	0.0%
Healthcare	0.2%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. VGT — 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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 76
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	2.95	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	3.63	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.47	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	3.69	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.09	11.77	+2.32
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. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and VGT, 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	VGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	2.95	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	0.68	+0.37

Drawdowns

TRFM vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-54.63%	+26.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-16.40%	+3.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-27.23%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-1.48%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.61%	-7.95%	+1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	5.13%	-1.31%

Volatility

TRFM vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a higher volatility of 7.34% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 6.39%. This indicates that TRFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.34%	6.39%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.46%	16.07%	+1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	20.57%	+1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.94%	25.18%	+1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.94%	24.60%	+2.34%

TRFM vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than VGT's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and VGT in my portfolio?

TRFM and VGT have a correlation of 0.89, 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 VGT?

TRFM has higher volatility (7.34%) compared to VGT (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or VGT?

On 3-year performance, VGT leads with 33.48% vs 31.63% for TRFM. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 6.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or VGT?

Over the 3-year period, VGT has performed better with a 33.48% return vs 31.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for TRFM.

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

VGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.13% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between TRFM and VGT?

TRFM tracks Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: AAM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 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.