FGSM vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FGSM is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FGSM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

FGSM vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGSM achieves a 15.70% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.74% return.

FGSM

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 15.70%
• 6M: 13.99%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -0.92%
• YTD: 4.74%
• 6M: 4.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.70%	3.59%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.74%	2.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and BDVL is 0.79, 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 Sep 15, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

BDVL

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

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.

FGSM vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL). 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.

	FGSM	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.04	—	—

Drawdowns

FGSM vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-7.71%	-10.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-1.40%	+1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-1.18%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.66%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.24%	9.67%	+5.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	9.67%	+8.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	9.67%	+8.13%

FGSM vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSM vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than BDVL's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.55%	2.79%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.34%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and BDVL in my portfolio?

FGSM and BDVL have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or BDVL?

On fees, BDVL is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or BDVL?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FGSM or BDVL?

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 1.34% for FGSM.

What is the main difference between FGSM and BDVL?

They also come from different issuers: Frontier and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FGSM and 0.40% for BDVL.