DVSP vs. USMV

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DVSP (WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF) and USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - DVSP tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility US Large Cap 500 Index while USMV tracks the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DVSP returned 22.27% vs 5.50% for USMV. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DVSP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for USMV.

Performance

DVSP vs. USMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVSP achieves a 7.49% return, which is significantly higher than USMV's 3.64% return.

DVSP

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 1.82%
• 6M: 4.30%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USMV

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 1.18%
• 6M: 3.50%
• YTD: 3.64%
• 1Y: 5.50%
• 3Y*: 11.07%
• 5Y*: 6.93%
• 10Y*: 9.48%

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

DVSP vs. USMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	7.49%	15.57%	-5.64%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	3.64%	7.65%	-2.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DVSP and USMV is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.54

The correlation between DVSP and USMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DVSP vs. USMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVSP

DVSP Risk / Return Rank: 36
DVSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DVSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DVSP Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DVSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
DVSP Martin Ratio Rank: 41

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 22
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 20
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

DVSP vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). 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.

	DVSP	USMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	0.65	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	0.96	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.11	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	0.86	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.22	2.80	+2.42

DVSP vs. USMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is higher than the USMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVSP and USMV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DVSP vs. USMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVSP drawdown since its inception was -22.71%, smaller than the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVSP and USMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVSP	USMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.71%	-33.10%	+10.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.56%	-6.46%	-9.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.49%	-1.49%	-2.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.49%	-2.87%	-2.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.28%	1.97%	+2.31%

Volatility

DVSP vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison

WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) has a higher volatility of 4.47% compared to iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) at 2.75%. This indicates that DVSP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DVSP	USMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	2.75%	+1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	6.30%	+9.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.65%	8.52%	+12.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.93%	12.37%	+9.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	14.50%	+7.43%

DVSP vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVSP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVSP vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison

DVSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than USMV's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	0.26%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.49%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVSP and USMV in my portfolio?

DVSP and USMV have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DVSP or USMV?

DVSP has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to USMV (2.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVSP dropped -22.71% vs USMV's -33.10%.

Which ETF is better, DVSP or USMV?

On 1-year performance, DVSP leads with 22.27% vs 5.50% for USMV. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVSP or USMV?

Over the 1-year period, DVSP has performed better with a 22.27% return vs 5.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVSP or USMV?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVSP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVSP or USMV?

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.26% for DVSP.

What is the main difference between DVSP and USMV?

DVSP tracks Syntax Defined Volatility US Large Cap 500 Index, while USMV tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVSP and 0.15% for USMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVSP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 0.65), 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.