DVOL vs. SMOM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DVOL (First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF) and SMOM (Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DVOL is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright Momentum Plus Low Volatility Index, while SMOM is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Symmetry Partners. DVOL is passively managed, while SMOM is actively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DVOL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for SMOM.

Performance

DVOL vs. SMOM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF (DVOL) and Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF (SMOM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVOL achieves a 1.20% return, which is significantly lower than SMOM's 9.52% return.

DVOL

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -4.01%
• YTD: 1.20%
• 6M: 2.04%
• 1Y: 0.20%
• 3Y*: 12.63%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

SMOM

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 10.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DVOL vs. SMOM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVOL First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF	1.20%	1.30%
SMOM Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF	9.52%	2.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DVOL and SMOM is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2025	0.58

Return for Risk

DVOL vs. SMOM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVOL

DVOL Risk / Return Rank: 9
DVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
DVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
DVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

DVOL vs. SMOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF (DVOL) and Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF (SMOM). 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.

	DVOL	SMOM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.11	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.04	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.14	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DVOL	SMOM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	1.42	-0.92

Drawdowns

DVOL vs. SMOM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVOL drawdown since its inception was -38.26%, which is greater than SMOM's maximum drawdown of -7.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVOL and SMOM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVOL	SMOM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.26%	-7.45%	-30.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.24%	0.00%	-5.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-1.48%	-5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVOL	SMOM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.78%	12.65%	-0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	12.65%	+1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.73%	12.65%	+5.08%

DVOL vs. SMOM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVOL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than SMOM's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVOL vs. SMOM - Dividend Comparison

DVOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, more than SMOM's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DVOL First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF	0.69%	0.86%	0.67%	1.28%	1.37%	0.47%	0.60%	1.79%	0.39%
SMOM Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF	0.15%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVOL and SMOM in my portfolio?

DVOL and SMOM have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DVOL or SMOM?

On fees, DVOL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVOL or SMOM?

DVOL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for SMOM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVOL or SMOM?

DVOL has the higher dividend yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.15% for SMOM.

What is the main difference between DVOL and SMOM?

DVOL is categorized as Momentum, while SMOM is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Symmetry Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for DVOL and 0.63% for SMOM.