AKAF vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AKAF (The Frontier Economic Fund) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds - AKAF tracks the Alaska Last Frontier Index while BDVL tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AKAF charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

AKAF vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Frontier Economic Fund (AKAF) and iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AKAF achieves a 11.65% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.71% return.

AKAF

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: 11.65%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 4.71%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AKAF vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AKAF The Frontier Economic Fund	11.65%	5.65%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%

Correlation

The correlation between AKAF and BDVL is 0.74, 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 Sep 16, 2025	0.74

Return for Risk

AKAF vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Frontier Economic Fund (AKAF) and iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AKAF	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.25	1.01	+1.24

Drawdowns

AKAF vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AKAF drawdown since its inception was -9.32%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AKAF and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AKAF	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.32%	-7.71%	-1.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-0.95%	-0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.63%	-1.19%	-0.44%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AKAF	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.66%	9.49%	+5.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.66%	9.49%	+5.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.66%	9.49%	+5.17%

AKAF vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AKAF has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

AKAF vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

AKAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, less than BDVL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AKAF The Frontier Economic Fund	2.11%	2.25%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AKAF and BDVL in my portfolio?

AKAF and BDVL have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AKAF or BDVL?

On fees, AKAF is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AKAF or BDVL?

AKAF is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AKAF or BDVL?

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 2.11% for AKAF.

What is the main difference between AKAF and BDVL?

AKAF tracks Alaska Last Frontier Index, while BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Prospr Aligned and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AKAF and 0.40% for BDVL.