DVXB vs. SLX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DVXB (WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both Materials funds - DVXB tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLB Index while SLX tracks the NYSE Arca Steel Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DVXB charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

DVXB vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF (DVXB) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVXB achieves a 19.55% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 33.83% return.

DVXB

• 1D: 1.66%
• 1M: -1.83%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 6M: 25.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLX

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: 9.78%
• YTD: 33.83%
• 6M: 41.91%
• 1Y: 80.96%
• 3Y*: 27.16%
• 5Y*: 16.60%
• 10Y*: 19.86%

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

DVXB vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVXB WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF	19.55%	-6.27%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	33.83%	16.23%

Correlation

The correlation between DVXB and SLX is 0.72, 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 Jul 24, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

DVXB vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 89
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SLX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

DVXB vs. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF (DVXB) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DVXB	SLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.64	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.22	+0.24

Drawdowns

DVXB vs. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVXB drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVXB and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVXB	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-82.14%	+62.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.35%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.39%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.62%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-61.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.42%	0.00%	-9.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-38.73%	+31.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVXB	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.87%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.51%	24.04%	+6.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.51%	27.72%	+2.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.51%	31.03%	-0.52%

DVXB vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVXB has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVXB vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

DVXB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVXB WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.16%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVXB and SLX in my portfolio?

DVXB and SLX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DVXB or SLX?

On fees, SLX is cheaper at 0.56% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVXB or SLX?

SLX is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVXB or SLX?

SLX has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.00% for DVXB.

What is the main difference between DVXB and SLX?

DVXB tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLB Index, while SLX tracks NYSE Arca Steel Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVXB and 0.56% for SLX.