DFAW vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds. DFAW is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAW charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

DFAW vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAW achieves a 12.61% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.71% return.

DFAW

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 6M: 13.91%
• 1Y: 30.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

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

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

DFAW vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	12.61%	4.25%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAW and BDVL is 0.85, 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	0.85

DFAW vs. BDVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAW	BDVL
Technology	24.8%	23.0%
Financial Services	15.5%	13.9%
Industrials	13.6%	15.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	8.5%
Healthcare	7.9%	11.1%
Communication Services	7.3%	10.7%
Energy	6.0%	2.8%
Basic Materials	5.0%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	6.3%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.0%
Utilities	2.3%	4.8%

Return for Risk

DFAW vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

DFAW vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFAW	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.41	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.09	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFAW	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	1.01	+0.60

Drawdowns

DFAW vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAW	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.93%	-7.71%	-9.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-0.95%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-1.19%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFAW	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.39%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.03%	9.49%	+2.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	9.49%	+4.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.46%	9.49%	+4.97%

DFAW vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DFAW vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

DFAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, less than BDVL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.55%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAW and BDVL in my portfolio?

DFAW and BDVL have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFAW or BDVL?

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, DFAW or BDVL?

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

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.55% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between DFAW and BDVL?

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