FDV vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

FDV (Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FDV returned 19.49% vs 29.68% for VMAX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

FDV vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF (FDV) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDV achieves a 11.72% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 14.67% return.

FDV

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 11.86%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 14.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VMAX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 3.00%
• YTD: 14.67%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 29.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDV vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FDV Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF	11.72%	11.01%	14.41%	3.41%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	14.67%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FDV and VMAX is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.71

The correlation between FDV and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDV vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDV	VMAX
Financial Services	15.7%	32.4%
Utilities	15.1%	5.3%
Healthcare	12.8%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	12.3%	3.7%
Technology	10.7%	13.3%
Real Estate	9.7%	4.4%
Energy	9.3%	11.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	3.7%
Industrials	3.1%	5.5%
Communication Services	2.0%	6.6%
Basic Materials	1.7%	2.8%

Return for Risk

FDV vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDV

FDV Risk / Return Rank: 68
FDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
FDV Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FDV Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

FDV vs. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF (FDV) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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.

	FDV	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.46	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	3.34	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.43	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.78	6.13	-2.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.05	21.52	-9.47

FDV vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDV and VMAX, 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

FDV vs. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDV drawdown since its inception was -16.70%, smaller than the maximum VMAX drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDV and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDV	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.70%	-19.05%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.70%	-4.93%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	-1.05%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.92%	-2.53%	-1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.79%	1.40%	+0.39%

Volatility

FDV vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF (FDV) is 2.82%, while Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) has a volatility of 3.21%. This indicates that FDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDV	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	3.21%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.82%	8.84%	-2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.74%	12.30%	-1.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.65%	15.43%	-2.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.65%	15.43%	-2.78%

FDV vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDV vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

FDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, more than VMAX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FDV Federated Hermes U.S. Strategic Dividend ETF	2.56%	3.11%	3.12%	3.54%	0.18%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.86%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDV and VMAX in my portfolio?

FDV and VMAX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDV or VMAX?

VMAX has higher volatility (3.21%) compared to FDV (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDV dropped -16.70% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, FDV or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 29.68% vs 19.49% for FDV. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, FDV has been the lower-risk option at 2.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDV or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 29.68% return vs 19.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDV or VMAX?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for FDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDV or VMAX?

FDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 1.86% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between FDV and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Federated and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for FDV and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 2.01), 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.