BDVL vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both Global Equities funds. BDVL is passively managed, while DFAW is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

BDVL vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BDVL achieves a 4.73% return, which is significantly lower than DFAW's 10.74% return.

BDVL

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 4.73%
• 6M: 4.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAW

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 9.89%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BDVL vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.73%	2.20%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	10.74%	4.64%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and DFAW is 0.87, 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 15, 2025	0.87

BDVL vs. DFAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVL	DFAW
Technology	27.8%	27.0%
Financial Services	14.3%	14.8%
Industrials	14.2%	13.4%
Communication Services	10.0%	7.0%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	4.8%
Utilities	4.5%	2.2%
Basic Materials	1.9%	5.0%
Energy	1.6%	5.5%
Real Estate	0.9%	2.3%

Return for Risk

BDVL vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDVL

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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) and Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW). 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.

	BDVL	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.11	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.88	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.03	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	13.17	—

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum DFAW drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-16.93%	+9.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-2.47%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.18%	-1.70%	+0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.21%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.45%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.71%	12.82%	-3.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.71%	14.61%	-4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.71%	14.61%	-4.90%

BDVL vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAW's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.56%, more than DFAW's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.56%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.57%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDVL and DFAW in my portfolio?

BDVL and DFAW have a correlation of 0.87, 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 DFAW?

On fees, DFAW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDVL or DFAW?

DFAW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.56%, compared with 1.57% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between BDVL and DFAW?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.25% for DFAW.