USSE vs. RAFE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

USSE (Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. USSE is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past year, USSE returned 24.54% vs 28.30% for RAFE. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USSE charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

USSE vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF (USSE) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USSE achieves a 16.76% return, which is significantly higher than RAFE's 13.50% return.

USSE

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 16.76%
• 6M: 15.18%
• 1Y: 24.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 13.50%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 28.30%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 11.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

USSE vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
USSE Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF	16.76%	2.50%	24.49%	4.94%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	13.50%	17.60%	13.81%	8.56%

Correlation

The correlation between USSE and RAFE is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2023	0.75

The correlation between USSE and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USSE vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

USSE

USSE Risk / Return Rank: 55
USSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
USSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
USSE Omega Ratio Rank: 49
USSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
USSE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 84
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

USSE vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF (USSE) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	USSE	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.48	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	3.46	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.44	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	3.81	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.33	14.74	-5.40

USSE vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USSE and RAFE, 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

USSE vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USSE drawdown since its inception was -22.36%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USSE and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	USSE	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.36%	-35.74%	+13.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.11%	-7.46%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.92%	-1.21%	-2.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.59%	-6.17%	+2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	1.93%	+0.71%

Volatility

USSE vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF (USSE) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) at 3.71%. This indicates that USSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RAFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USSE	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.29%	3.71%	+3.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.33%	8.70%	+3.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.78%	11.51%	+4.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	15.10%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.55%	19.39%	-2.84%

USSE vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

USSE has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

USSE vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

USSE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RAFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%
USSE Segall Bryant & Hamill Select Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.11%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USSE and RAFE in my portfolio?

USSE and RAFE have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USSE or RAFE?

USSE has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to RAFE (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USSE dropped -22.36% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, USSE or RAFE?

On 1-year performance, RAFE leads with 28.30% vs 24.54% for USSE. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, RAFE has been the lower-risk option at 3.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USSE or RAFE?

Over the 1-year period, RAFE has performed better with a 28.30% return vs 24.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USSE or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for USSE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USSE or RAFE?

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.00% for USSE.

What is the main difference between USSE and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Segall Bryant & Hamill and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for USSE and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.56), 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.