FVD vs. VTV

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FVD (First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund) and VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FVD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Value Line Dividend Index, while VTV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FVD returned 8.47%/yr vs 12.50%/yr for VTV. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FVD charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTV.

Performance

FVD vs. VTV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FVD achieves a 7.55% return, which is significantly lower than VTV's 15.97% return. Over the past 10 years, FVD has underperformed VTV with an annualized return of 8.47%, while VTV has yielded a comparatively higher 12.50% annualized return.

FVD

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 6.10%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 1Y: 11.06%
• 3Y*: 9.49%
• 5Y*: 6.42%
• 10Y*: 8.47%

VTV

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.47%
• 6M: 12.54%
• YTD: 15.97%
• 1Y: 25.53%
• 3Y*: 18.09%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 12.50%

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

FVD vs. VTV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	7.55%	8.16%	10.04%	4.11%	-5.18%	25.08%	-0.02%	26.58%	-3.49%	12.51%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	15.97%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	25.66%	-5.47%	17.15%

Correlation

The correlation between FVD and VTV is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.89

The correlation between FVD and VTV shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.89 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FVD vs. VTV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FVD	VTV
Financial Services	19.0%	21.5%
Utilities	17.4%	4.8%
Industrials	14.3%	13.6%
Consumer Defensive	11.1%	8.9%
Healthcare	8.2%	14.1%
Real Estate	7.7%	2.7%
Technology	7.3%	16.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	4.0%
Energy	3.6%	7.4%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.9%
Basic Materials	2.9%	3.3%

Return for Risk

FVD vs. VTV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FVD

FVD Risk / Return Rank: 34
FVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FVD Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FVD Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FVD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FVD Martin Ratio Rank: 31

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 88
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 87
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

FVD vs. VTV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV). 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.

	FVD	VTV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	2.39	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	3.45	-1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.43	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	3.91	-2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.61	14.82	-11.21

FVD vs. VTV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FVD Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is lower than the VTV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FVD and VTV, 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

FVD vs. VTV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FVD drawdown since its inception was -51.00%, smaller than the maximum VTV drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FVD and VTV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FVD	VTV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.00%	-59.27%	+8.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.23%	-6.35%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.97%	-14.52%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.41%	-17.04%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.25%	-36.78%	+1.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-0.17%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.43%	-7.84%	+2.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	1.68%	+1.16%

Volatility

FVD vs. VTV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) has a higher volatility of 3.72% compared to Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) at 3.32%. This indicates that FVD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FVD	VTV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	3.32%	+0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.58%	7.77%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.90%	10.40%	-0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.80%	13.86%	-1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.43%	16.60%	-1.17%

FVD vs. VTV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FVD has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VTV's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FVD vs. VTV - Dividend Comparison

FVD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.28%, more than VTV's 1.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	2.28%	2.36%	2.23%	2.34%	2.20%	1.75%	2.31%	2.03%	2.50%	2.10%	2.04%	2.34%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.87%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FVD and VTV in my portfolio?

FVD and VTV have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FVD or VTV?

FVD has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to VTV (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FVD dropped -51.00% vs VTV's -59.27%.

Which ETF is better, FVD or VTV?

On 10-year performance, VTV leads with 12.50% vs 8.47% for FVD. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VTV has been the lower-risk option at 3.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FVD or VTV?

Over the 10-year period, VTV has performed better with a 12.50% return vs 8.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FVD or VTV?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FVD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FVD or VTV?

FVD has the higher dividend yield at 2.28%, compared with 1.87% for VTV.

What is the main difference between FVD and VTV?

FVD is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while VTV is Large Cap Value Equities. FVD tracks Value Line Dividend Index, while VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FVD and 0.04% for VTV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.04), 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.