DSTL vs RFDA
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF vs ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF
Which is better, DSTL or RFDA?
Each has led over a different period.
DSTL has a lower expense ratio. DSTL led over the full window, RFDA over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. DSTL is less concentrated, with 18.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 30.6%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSTL | RFDA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39%Best | 0.52% |
| AUM | $2.0B | $77M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 2.00% |
| Holdings | 300 | 77 |
| YTD Return | +13.34% | +14.73%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.45% | +16.68%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.03% | +20.07%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.92% | +12.87%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 16.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1%Best | -34.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,790 | $18,319Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 18.3%Best | 30.6% |
| Fund Family | Distillate Capital Etfs | ALPS Advisors |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2018 | Jun 6, 2016 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 24, 2018 to Oct 14, 2026 (8 years).
DSTL vs RFDA growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8 years both funds cover.
DSTL vs RFDA Performance
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) is an ETF from Distillate Capital Etfs and ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year DSTL returned +16.45% while RFDA returned +16.68%. Year to date, DSTL is up 13.34% versus a gain of 14.73% for RFDA.
Over three years, DSTL compounded at +15.03% per year against +20.07% for RFDA; over five years the annualized figures are +10.92% and +12.87% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DSTL has the edge at +14.39% annualized vs +13.43%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 16.4% for RFDA. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.1% for DSTL and -34.8% for RFDA. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSTL charges 0.39% per year while RFDA charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $52 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSTL currently yields 1.14% against 2.00% for RFDA.
Holdings Overlap
10.8% of DSTL's money is in holdings RFDA also owns. 9.1% of RFDA's money is in holdings DSTL also owns.
DSTL and RFDA share little of their money.
7 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in DSTL and 75 in RFDA, against full books of 300 and 77.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 65 positions for RFDA that do not appear in our book for DSTL (87.4% of the fund), and 93 for DSTL that do not appear in RFDA (88.3%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSTL and RFDA you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSTL or RFDA?
DSTL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while RFDA charges 0.52%. DSTL is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DSTL or RFDA?
Over the past year DSTL returned +16.45% vs +16.68% for RFDA, so RFDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DSTL annualized +14.39% vs +13.43% for RFDA. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSTL or RFDA?
DSTL has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 16.4% for RFDA. Worst drawdown: DSTL -33.1% vs RFDA -34.8%.
Should I hold both DSTL and RFDA?
DSTL and RFDA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DSTL and RFDA?
10.8% of DSTL's money is in holdings RFDA also owns. 9.1% of RFDA's is in holdings DSTL also owns. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in DSTL and 75 in RFDA.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSTL or RFDA?
DSTL yields 1.14% while RFDA yields 2.00%, so RFDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is RFDA better than DSTL?
DSTL has a lower expense ratio. DSTL led over the full window, RFDA over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. DSTL is less concentrated, with 18.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 30.6%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.