DIVS vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DIVS (SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds. DIVS is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DIVS charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

DIVS vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) 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, DIVS achieves a 6.02% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.73% return.

DIVS

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.53%
• YTD: 6.02%
• 6M: 5.56%
• 1Y: 10.66%
• 3Y*: 12.30%
• 5Y*: 9.00%
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

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

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

DIVS vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DIVS SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF	6.02%	0.57%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.73%	2.20%

Correlation

The correlation between DIVS and BDVL is 0.81, 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	0.81

DIVS vs. BDVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIVS	BDVL
Industrials	24.8%	14.2%
Technology	22.5%	27.8%
Consumer Defensive	20.6%	5.3%
Financial Services	13.6%	14.3%
Healthcare	12.7%	8.3%
Communication Services	3.2%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	6.9%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Energy	-	1.6%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Utilities	-	4.5%

Return for Risk

DIVS vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIVS

DIVS Risk / Return Rank: 27
DIVS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DIVS Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DIVS Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DIVS Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DIVS Martin Ratio Rank: 27

BDVL

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

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.

DIVS vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) 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.

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.

	DIVS	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.60	—	—

Drawdowns

DIVS vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIVS drawdown since its inception was -29.55%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIVS and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIVS	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.55%	-7.71%	-21.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-1.41%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-1.18%	-2.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DIVS	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.42%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.60%	9.71%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.07%	9.71%	+3.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.10%	9.71%	+16.39%

DIVS vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIVS has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIVS vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

DIVS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.17%, less than BDVL's 3.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.56%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DIVS SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF	3.17%	2.61%	2.66%	3.14%	5.93%	3.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIVS and BDVL in my portfolio?

DIVS and BDVL have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DIVS or BDVL?

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, DIVS or BDVL?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DIVS.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.56%, compared with 3.17% for DIVS.

What is the main difference between DIVS and BDVL?

They also come from different issuers: Guinness Atkinson Asset Management and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for DIVS and 0.40% for BDVL.