DVXB vs. VAW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DVXB (WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF) and VAW (Vanguard Materials ETF) are both Materials funds - DVXB tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLB Index while VAW tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DVXB charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VAW.

Performance

DVXB vs. VAW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVXB achieves a 20.01% return, which is significantly higher than VAW's 13.17% return.

DVXB

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 20.01%
• 6M: 24.08%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VAW

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 16.23%
• 1Y: 22.68%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 5.80%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

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

DVXB vs. VAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVXB WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF	20.01%	-6.27%
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	13.17%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between DVXB and VAW is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

DVXB vs. VAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAW

VAW Risk / Return Rank: 34
VAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VAW Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VAW Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. VAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Materials XLB Defined Volatility ETF (DVXB) and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW). 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	VAW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.30	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.39	+0.09

Drawdowns

DVXB vs. VAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVXB drawdown since its inception was -19.77%, smaller than the maximum VAW drawdown of -62.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVXB and VAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVXB	VAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-62.17%	+42.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.42%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.50%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.08%	-3.79%	-5.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-9.63%	+2.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVXB	VAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.08%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.44%	17.65%	+12.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.44%	19.62%	+10.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.44%	21.20%	+9.24%

DVXB vs. VAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVXB has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VAW's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVXB vs. VAW - Dividend Comparison

DVXB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%.

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%
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	1.36%	1.55%	1.70%	1.72%	1.98%	1.44%	1.67%	1.94%	2.03%	1.63%	1.67%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVXB and VAW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DVXB and VAW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DVXB or VAW?

On fees, VAW is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVXB or VAW?

VAW is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXB.

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

VAW has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.00% for DVXB.

What is the main difference between DVXB and VAW?

DVXB tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLB Index, while VAW tracks MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVXB and 0.10% for VAW.