VGRO vs. RFDA

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VGRO (Virtus Silvant Growth Opportunities ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGRO charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

VGRO vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Silvant Growth Opportunities ETF (VGRO) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGRO achieves a 2.80% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 12.88% return.

VGRO

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 0.82%
• 6M: 3.19%
• YTD: 2.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 1.60%
• 6M: 12.02%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 1Y: 23.70%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 12.72%
• 10Y*: 13.41%

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

VGRO vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGRO Virtus Silvant Growth Opportunities ETF	2.80%	-0.88%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	12.88%	-0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VGRO and RFDA is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2025	0.59

Return for Risk

VGRO vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGRO

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 84
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 81
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VGRO vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Silvant Growth Opportunities ETF (VGRO) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	VGRO	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.06	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.85	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.37	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.50	—

Drawdowns

VGRO vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGRO drawdown since its inception was -15.49%, smaller than the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGRO and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGRO	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.49%	-34.60%	+19.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.45%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.01%	-0.55%	-4.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-3.72%	-0.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGRO	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.79%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.65%	11.59%	+8.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.65%	15.74%	+3.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.65%	16.83%	+2.82%

VGRO vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGRO has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGRO vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

VGRO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RFDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.77%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%
VGRO Virtus Silvant Growth Opportunities ETF	0.00%	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 VGRO and RFDA in my portfolio?

VGRO and RFDA have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGRO or RFDA?

On fees, VGRO is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGRO or RFDA?

VGRO is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGRO or RFDA?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 0.00% for VGRO.

What is the main difference between VGRO and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VGRO and 0.52% for RFDA.