CVAR vs. DVLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CVAR (Cultivar ETF) and DVLU (First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CVAR is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Cultivar, while DVLU is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright Momentum Plus Value Index. CVAR is actively managed, while DVLU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CVAR returned 8.39%/yr vs 22.18%/yr for DVLU. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CVAR charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for DVLU.

Performance

CVAR vs. DVLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cultivar ETF (CVAR) and First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CVAR achieves a 0.62% return, which is significantly lower than DVLU's 10.31% return.

CVAR

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 2.14%
• 1Y: 11.92%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DVLU

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 3.99%
• YTD: 10.31%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 35.76%
• 3Y*: 22.18%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

CVAR vs. DVLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CVAR Cultivar ETF	0.62%	14.95%	3.12%	11.74%	-5.03%	0.71%
DVLU First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF	10.31%	23.67%	13.36%	18.84%	-9.73%	1.86%

Correlation

The correlation between CVAR and DVLU is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2021	0.75

The correlation between CVAR and DVLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CVAR vs. DVLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

CVAR

CVAR Risk / Return Rank: 29
CVAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
CVAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
CVAR Omega Ratio Rank: 28
CVAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
CVAR Martin Ratio Rank: 26

DVLU

DVLU Risk / Return Rank: 63
DVLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DVLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DVLU Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DVLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DVLU Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

CVAR vs. DVLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cultivar ETF (CVAR) and First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU). 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.

	CVAR	DVLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	2.19	-1.14
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	3.03	-1.46
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.38	-0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	2.93	-1.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.45	10.59	-7.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CVAR vs. DVLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CVAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the DVLU Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CVAR and DVLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CVAR	DVLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.05	2.19	-1.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.42	-0.06

Drawdowns

CVAR vs. DVLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CVAR drawdown since its inception was -19.39%, smaller than the maximum DVLU drawdown of -53.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CVAR and DVLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	CVAR	DVLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.39%	-53.26%	+33.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-12.24%	+3.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-24.86%	+9.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.22%	-0.22%	-6.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-8.78%	+3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	3.39%	+0.07%

Volatility

CVAR vs. DVLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cultivar ETF (CVAR) is 2.24%, while First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) has a volatility of 3.65%. This indicates that CVAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DVLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CVAR	DVLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.24%	3.65%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.48%	12.36%	-4.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.43%	16.40%	-4.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.47%	21.52%	-6.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.47%	25.81%	-10.34%

CVAR vs. DVLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

CVAR has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than DVLU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CVAR vs. DVLU - Dividend Comparison

CVAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, more than DVLU's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CVAR Cultivar ETF	1.52%	1.53%	3.57%	1.41%	5.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DVLU First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF	0.62%	0.73%	1.06%	1.34%	2.18%	1.33%	1.34%	1.71%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CVAR and DVLU in my portfolio?

CVAR and DVLU have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CVAR or DVLU?

DVLU has higher volatility (3.65%) compared to CVAR (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CVAR dropped -19.39% vs DVLU's -53.26%.

Which ETF is better, CVAR or DVLU?

On 3-year performance, DVLU leads with 22.18% vs 8.39% for CVAR. On fees, DVLU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, CVAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CVAR or DVLU?

Over the 3-year period, DVLU has performed better with a 22.18% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CVAR or DVLU?

DVLU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for CVAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CVAR or DVLU?

CVAR has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.62% for DVLU.

What is the main difference between CVAR and DVLU?

CVAR is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while DVLU is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: Cultivar and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for CVAR and 0.60% for DVLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.05), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.