BDVL vs. AQLT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and AQLT (iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF) are both Global Equities funds from iShares - BDVL tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index while AQLT tracks the MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for AQLT.

Performance

BDVL vs. AQLT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BDVL achieves a 4.71% return, which is significantly lower than AQLT's 12.40% return.

BDVL

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

AQLT

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 12.40%
• 6M: 12.67%
• 1Y: 29.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BDVL vs. AQLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	12.40%	5.50%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and AQLT is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

BDVL vs. AQLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

AQLT

AQLT Risk / Return Rank: 64
AQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
AQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 64
AQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
AQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

BDVL vs. AQLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) and iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT). 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

	BDVL	AQLT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	1.09	-0.08

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. AQLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum AQLT drawdown of -16.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and AQLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	AQLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-16.84%	+9.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-0.37%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-2.32%	+1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.37%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	AQLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.82%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.49%	13.39%	-3.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.49%	16.99%	-7.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.49%	16.99%	-7.50%

BDVL vs. AQLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than AQLT's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. AQLT - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than AQLT's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AQLT iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF	0.93%	1.05%	0.02%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDVL and AQLT in my portfolio?

BDVL and AQLT have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BDVL or AQLT?

On fees, AQLT 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, BDVL or AQLT?

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

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.93% for AQLT.

What is the main difference between BDVL and AQLT?

BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while AQLT tracks MSCI ACWI Quality Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.20% for AQLT.