DVXF vs. VFH

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DVXF (WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF) and VFH (Vanguard Financials ETF) are both Financials Equities funds - DVXF tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLF Index while VFH tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DVXF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VFH.

Performance

DVXF vs. VFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF (DVXF) and Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVXF achieves a -12.22% return, which is significantly lower than VFH's -5.08% return.

DVXF

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -2.50%
• YTD: -12.22%
• 6M: -5.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VFH

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: -5.08%
• 6M: -1.24%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: 19.00%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: 12.35%

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

DVXF vs. VFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVXF WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF	-12.22%	3.87%
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	-5.08%	3.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DVXF and VFH is 0.99 - 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	0.99

Return for Risk

DVXF vs. VFH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFH

VFH Risk / Return Rank: 12
VFH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
VFH Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
VFH Omega Ratio Rank: 12
VFH Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VFH Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

DVXF vs. VFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF (DVXF) and Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH). 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

	DVXF	VFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.37	0.24	-0.62

Drawdowns

DVXF vs. VFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVXF drawdown since its inception was -26.68%, smaller than the maximum VFH drawdown of -78.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVXF and VFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVXF	VFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.68%	-78.61%	+51.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.75%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.05%	-7.96%	-9.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.27%	-18.54%	+9.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVXF	VFH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.12%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.49%	14.72%	+12.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.49%	19.30%	+8.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.49%	22.54%	+4.95%

DVXF vs. VFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVXF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VFH's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVXF vs. VFH - Dividend Comparison

DVXF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VFH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.54%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVXF WEBs Financial XLF 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%
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	1.54%	1.55%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	1.87%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.53%	1.63%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVXF and VFH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DVXF and VFH 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, DVXF or VFH?

On fees, VFH 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, DVXF or VFH?

VFH is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVXF or VFH?

VFH has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.00% for DVXF.

What is the main difference between DVXF and VFH?

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