VUSG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

VUSG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) 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, VUSG achieves a 1.35% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 10.78% return.

VUSG

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -4.61%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 0.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFDA

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 10.78%
• 6M: 9.60%
• 1Y: 25.57%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 12.83%
• 10Y*: 13.39%

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

VUSG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	1.35%	2.62%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.78%	2.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and RFDA is 0.65, 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 Nov 18, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSG

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

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 83
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

VUSG vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) 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.

	VUSG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.20	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.04	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.41	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.72	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.75	—

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-34.60%	+19.46%
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	-7.86%	-1.66%	-6.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-3.73%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.23%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.02%	11.69%	+8.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.02%	15.75%	+4.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.02%	16.86%	+3.16%

VUSG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VUSG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than RFDA's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.80%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	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 VUSG and RFDA in my portfolio?

VUSG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSG or RFDA?

On fees, VUSG 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, VUSG or RFDA?

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

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

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 0.02% for VUSG.

What is the main difference between VUSG and RFDA?

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