TRFM vs. VOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TRFM (AAM Transformers ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TRFM tracks the Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VOX tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFM returned 31.63%/yr vs 24.02%/yr for VOX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TRFM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VOX.

Performance

TRFM vs. VOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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 VOX's -1.38% return.

TRFM

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

VOX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: -1.38%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 24.02%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

TRFM vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFM AAM Transformers ETF	30.30%	25.76%	19.96%	44.71%	-7.38%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.38%	26.27%	33.12%	44.81%	-13.44%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFM and VOX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2022	0.74

The correlation between TRFM and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.57 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

TRFM vs. VOX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFM	VOX
Technology	53.3%	1.2%
Consumer Cyclical	17.7%	0.2%
Communication Services	12.3%	98.4%
Industrials	7.2%	0.0%
Energy	3.5%	-
Financial Services	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

TRFM vs. VOX — 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

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	1.34	+1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.00	+1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.24	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	1.52	+2.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.09	5.83	+8.27
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. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFM Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is higher than the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFM and VOX, 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	VOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	1.34	+1.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	0.43	+0.62

Drawdowns

TRFM vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFM drawdown since its inception was -28.40%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFM and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFM	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.40%	-57.18%	+28.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-13.56%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.40%	-21.15%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-4.70%	+3.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.61%	-11.91%	+5.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	3.54%	+0.28%

Volatility

TRFM vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) has a higher volatility of 7.34% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 4.24%. This indicates that TRFM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFM	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.34%	4.24%	+3.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.46%	11.16%	+6.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	15.45%	+7.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.94%	21.15%	+5.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.94%	20.89%	+6.05%

TRFM vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFM vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison

TRFM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than VOX's 1.00% 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%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.00%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFM and VOX in my portfolio?

TRFM and VOX have a correlation of 0.57, 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 VOX?

TRFM has higher volatility (7.34%) compared to VOX (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFM dropped -28.40% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, TRFM or VOX?

On 3-year performance, TRFM leads with 31.63% vs 24.02% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFM or VOX?

Over the 3-year period, TRFM has performed better with a 31.63% return vs 24.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFM or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for TRFM.

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

VOX has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.13% for TRFM.

What is the main difference between TRFM and VOX?

TRFM tracks Pence Transformers Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: AAM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for TRFM and 0.10% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.34), 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.