GEW vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GEW (Cambria Global Equal Weight ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds. GEW is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GEW charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

GEW vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Equal Weight ETF (GEW) 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, GEW achieves a 5.53% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 3.52% return.

GEW

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 5.53%
• 6M: 6.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: -2.05%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 3.81%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GEW vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GEW Cambria Global Equal Weight ETF	5.53%	3.77%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.52%	2.65%

Correlation

The correlation between GEW and BDVL is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

GEW vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Equal Weight ETF (GEW) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GEW	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	0.81	+0.14

Drawdowns

GEW vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEW drawdown since its inception was -8.15%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEW and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEW	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.15%	-7.71%	-0.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.37%	-2.08%	-0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.34%	-1.19%	-0.15%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GEW	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	9.62%	+5.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	9.62%	+5.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	9.62%	+5.18%

GEW vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEW has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEW vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

GEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than BDVL's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.70%	2.79%
GEW Cambria Global Equal Weight ETF	0.98%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GEW and BDVL in my portfolio?

GEW and BDVL have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GEW or BDVL?

On fees, GEW is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GEW or BDVL?

GEW is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.70%, compared with 0.98% for GEW.

What is the main difference between GEW and BDVL?

They also come from different issuers: Cambria and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for GEW and 0.40% for BDVL.