GSWO vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GSWO (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Equity ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds - GSWO tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Low Vol Plus Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net while BDVL tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSWO charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

GSWO vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Equity ETF (GSWO) 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, GSWO achieves a 11.00% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.71% return.

GSWO

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 4.81%
• YTD: 11.00%
• 6M: 11.56%
• 1Y: 20.17%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 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)

GSWO vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GSWO Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Equity ETF	11.00%	2.20%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%

Correlation

The correlation between GSWO and BDVL is 0.85, 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 16, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

GSWO vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSWO

GSWO Risk / Return Rank: 56
GSWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
GSWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
GSWO Omega Ratio Rank: 56
GSWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
GSWO Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

GSWO vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Equity ETF (GSWO) 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.

	GSWO	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.87	—	—
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

	GSWO	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.88	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.99	1.01	-0.02

Drawdowns

GSWO vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSWO drawdown since its inception was -17.77%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSWO and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSWO	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.77%	-7.71%	-10.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.71%	-0.95%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.25%	-1.19%	-2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.86%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GSWO	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.02%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.75%	9.49%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.96%	9.49%	+3.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.96%	9.49%	+3.47%

GSWO vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSWO has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSWO vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

GSWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, less than BDVL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GSWO Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Equity ETF	1.61%	1.74%	1.75%	2.06%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSWO and BDVL in my portfolio?

GSWO and BDVL have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GSWO or BDVL?

On fees, GSWO is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSWO or BDVL?

GSWO is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BDVL.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.61% for GSWO.

What is the main difference between GSWO and BDVL?

GSWO tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Low Vol Plus Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net, while BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for GSWO and 0.40% for BDVL.