FWD vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FWD is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FWD charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

FWD vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) 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, FWD achieves a 40.11% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.71% return.

FWD

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 14.15%
• YTD: 40.11%
• 6M: 39.78%
• 1Y: 75.95%
• 3Y*: 39.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 4.71%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FWD vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	40.11%	5.62%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%

Correlation

The correlation between FWD and BDVL is 0.66, 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 16, 2025	0.66

FWD vs. BDVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FWD	BDVL
Technology	52.6%	23.0%
Industrials	17.7%	15.4%
Healthcare	6.6%	11.1%
Communication Services	2.6%	10.7%
Energy	2.6%	2.8%
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	8.5%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.6%
Utilities	1.0%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	6.3%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.0%
Financial Services	0.5%	13.9%

Return for Risk

FWD vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 87
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

FWD vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) 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.

	FWD	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.16	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.86	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.83	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FWD	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.16	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.67	1.01	+0.66

Drawdowns

FWD vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FWD drawdown since its inception was -29.02%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FWD and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FWD	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.02%	-7.71%	-21.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.03%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.95%	+0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.06%	-1.19%	-2.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.66%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FWD	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.96%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.15%	9.49%	+14.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.72%	9.49%	+15.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.72%	9.49%	+15.23%

FWD vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FWD has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FWD vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

FWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than BDVL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.08%	0.11%	1.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FWD and BDVL in my portfolio?

FWD and BDVL have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FWD 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, FWD or BDVL?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FWD.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.08% for FWD.

What is the main difference between FWD and BDVL?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FWD and 0.40% for BDVL.