BDVL vs. SIMS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and SIMS (SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF) are both Global Equities funds - BDVL tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index while SIMS tracks the S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for SIMS.

Performance

BDVL vs. SIMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) and SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS). 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 SIMS's 13.06% return.

BDVL

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

SIMS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 39.98%
• 3Y*: 12.52%
• 5Y*: 0.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

BDVL vs. SIMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	13.06%	3.41%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and SIMS is 0.60, 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	0.60

BDVL vs. SIMS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVL	SIMS
Technology	23.0%	22.2%
Industrials	15.4%	51.4%
Financial Services	13.9%	-
Healthcare	11.1%	-
Communication Services	10.7%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	-
Utilities	4.8%	3.2%
Energy	2.8%	11.0%
Basic Materials	2.6%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

BDVL vs. SIMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIMS

SIMS Risk / Return Rank: 48
SIMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SIMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
SIMS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SIMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SIMS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. SIMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) and SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS). 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	SIMS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	0.25	+0.76

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. SIMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum SIMS drawdown of -43.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and SIMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	SIMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-43.97%	+36.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.78%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-0.74%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-16.09%	+14.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	SIMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.15%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.49%	23.26%	-13.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.49%	25.08%	-15.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.49%	26.02%	-16.53%

BDVL vs. SIMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than SIMS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. SIMS - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than SIMS's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	0.57%	0.66%	0.88%	1.49%	1.48%	0.97%	0.58%	1.24%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDVL and SIMS in my portfolio?

BDVL and SIMS have a correlation of 0.60, 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 SIMS?

On fees, BDVL is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDVL or SIMS?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for SIMS.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.57% for SIMS.

What is the main difference between BDVL and SIMS?

BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while SIMS tracks S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.45% for SIMS.