DVAL vs. DFRA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DVAL (BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF) and DFRA (Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. DVAL is actively managed, while DFRA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DVAL returned 12.66%/yr vs 12.75%/yr for DFRA. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DVAL charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for DFRA.

Performance

DVAL vs. DFRA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (DVAL) and Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVAL achieves a 6.15% return, which is significantly lower than DFRA's 8.60% return.

DVAL

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 6.15%
• 6M: 7.12%
• 1Y: 12.93%
• 3Y*: 12.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFRA

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 8.60%
• 6M: 8.04%
• 1Y: 15.09%
• 3Y*: 12.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DVAL vs. DFRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DVAL BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF	6.15%	8.74%	12.84%	8.73%	1.78%
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	8.60%	6.64%	7.05%	18.89%	2.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DVAL and DFRA is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2022	0.83

The correlation between DVAL and DFRA shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DVAL vs. DFRA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DVAL	DFRA
Financial Services	31.6%	-
Industrials	14.7%	35.7%
Technology	11.1%	1.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	-
Communication Services	10.0%	-
Healthcare	7.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	3.2%
Energy	6.1%	26.3%
Utilities	1.1%	2.8%
Basic Materials	0.1%	18.5%
Real Estate	-	12.1%

Return for Risk

DVAL vs. DFRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVAL

DVAL Risk / Return Rank: 37
DVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
DVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 42

DFRA

DFRA Risk / Return Rank: 29
DFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
DFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 29
DFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
DFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

DVAL vs. DFRA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (DVAL) and Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA). 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.

	DVAL	DFRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.03	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	1.47	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.19	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	1.30	+0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	4.50	+2.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DVAL vs. DFRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the DFRA Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVAL and DFRA, 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

	DVAL	DFRA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	1.03	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.68	+0.08

Drawdowns

DVAL vs. DFRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVAL drawdown since its inception was -18.11%, smaller than the maximum DFRA drawdown of -19.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVAL and DFRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVAL	DFRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.11%	-19.35%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.20%	-11.64%	+5.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.11%	-19.35%	+1.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-7.31%	+6.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.64%	-3.96%	+0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	3.36%	-1.43%

Volatility

DVAL vs. DFRA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (DVAL) is 2.73%, while Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) has a volatility of 4.52%. This indicates that DVAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DVAL	DFRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.73%	4.52%	-1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.62%	12.85%	-5.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.59%	14.70%	-4.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.24%	17.52%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.24%	17.52%	-3.28%

DVAL vs. DFRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVAL has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than DFRA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVAL vs. DFRA - Dividend Comparison

DVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.88%, less than DFRA's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFRA Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF	4.20%	2.86%	10.13%	4.70%	8.40%	0.08%
DVAL BrandywineGLOBAL Dynamic U.S. Large Cap Value ETF	1.88%	2.00%	2.82%	1.16%	13.13%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVAL and DFRA in my portfolio?

DVAL and DFRA have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DVAL or DFRA?

DFRA has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to DVAL (2.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVAL dropped -18.11% vs DFRA's -19.35%.

Which ETF is better, DVAL or DFRA?

On 3-year performance, DFRA leads with 12.75% vs 12.66% for DVAL. On fees, DVAL is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, DVAL has been the lower-risk option at 2.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVAL or DFRA?

Over the 3-year period, DFRA has performed better with a 12.75% return vs 12.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVAL or DFRA?

DVAL is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for DFRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVAL or DFRA?

DFRA has the higher dividend yield at 4.20%, compared with 1.88% for DVAL.

What is the main difference between DVAL and DFRA?

They also come from different issuers: BrandywineGLOBAL and Donoghue Forlines. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for DVAL and 0.69% for DFRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 1.03), 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.