DDIV vs. VFMO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDIV (First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF) and VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) are both Momentum funds. DDIV is passively managed, while VFMO is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DDIV returned 9.40%/yr vs 13.84%/yr for VFMO. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDIV charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMO.

Performance

DDIV vs. VFMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDIV achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly lower than VFMO's 23.68% return.

DDIV

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -1.01%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 9.50%
• 1Y: 20.52%
• 3Y*: 20.53%
• 5Y*: 9.40%
• 10Y*: 9.72%

VFMO

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 5.53%
• YTD: 23.68%
• 6M: 23.37%
• 1Y: 43.34%
• 3Y*: 27.93%
• 5Y*: 13.84%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDIV vs. VFMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DDIV First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF	7.57%	12.23%	27.18%	9.95%	-12.44%	39.96%	-3.59%	32.40%	-13.97%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	23.68%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%

Correlation

The correlation between DDIV and VFMO is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.77

The correlation between DDIV and VFMO shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.82 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DDIV vs. VFMO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDIV	VFMO
Energy	27.8%	7.3%
Financial Services	21.5%	6.5%
Real Estate	15.4%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	2.5%
Industrials	7.0%	24.7%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	8.7%
Utilities	5.1%	0.2%
Healthcare	3.7%	22.9%
Basic Materials	2.9%	6.4%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.4%
Technology	1.1%	17.5%

Return for Risk

DDIV vs. VFMO — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDIV

DDIV Risk / Return Rank: 40
DDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
DDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

DDIV vs. VFMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). 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.

	DDIV	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	2.05	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.70	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.35	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	3.96	-2.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	14.97	-8.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDIV vs. VFMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the VFMO Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDIV and VFMO, 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

	DDIV	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44	2.05	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.64	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.66	-0.19

Drawdowns

DDIV vs. VFMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDIV drawdown since its inception was -47.56%, which is greater than VFMO's maximum drawdown of -36.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDIV and VFMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDIV	VFMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.56%	-36.77%	-10.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.31%	-10.98%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.97%	-24.40%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.10%	-25.80%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.86%	0.00%	-1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.02%	-7.77%	+1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	2.90%	+0.17%

Volatility

DDIV vs. VFMO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) is 2.62%, while Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) has a volatility of 6.20%. This indicates that DDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDIV	VFMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.62%	6.20%	-3.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.72%	16.37%	-4.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.29%	21.20%	-6.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.66%	21.70%	-3.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.90%	23.57%	-3.67%

DDIV vs. VFMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDIV has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMO's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDIV vs. VFMO - Dividend Comparison

DDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than VFMO's 0.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DDIV First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF	1.61%	1.94%	2.22%	3.18%	3.60%	2.43%	2.63%	2.93%	3.27%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.63%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDIV and VFMO in my portfolio?

DDIV and VFMO have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDIV or VFMO?

VFMO has higher volatility (6.20%) compared to DDIV (2.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDIV dropped -47.56% vs VFMO's -36.77%.

Which ETF is better, DDIV or VFMO?

On 5-year performance, VFMO leads with 13.84% vs 9.40% for DDIV. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, DDIV has been the lower-risk option at 2.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDIV or VFMO?

Over the 5-year period, VFMO has performed better with a 13.84% return vs 9.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDIV or VFMO?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for DDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDIV or VFMO?

DDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.63% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between DDIV and VFMO?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for DDIV and 0.13% for VFMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.44), 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.