HUSV vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HUSV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HUSV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund actively managed by First Trust, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. HUSV is actively managed, while VIG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HUSV returned 5.67%/yr vs 10.73%/yr for VIG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HUSV charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

HUSV vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HUSV achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.42% return.

HUSV

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: -0.23%
• 3Y*: 7.84%
• 5Y*: 5.67%
• 10Y*: —

VIG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 7.42%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 18.13%
• 3Y*: 15.97%
• 5Y*: 10.73%
• 10Y*: 13.54%

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

HUSV vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.05%	4.96%	12.64%	3.51%	-6.31%	26.04%	5.39%	26.98%	-1.92%	16.07%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.42%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between HUSV and VIG is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2016	0.84

Over the past year, the correlation between HUSV and VIG has dropped to 0.57 - well below their long-term average of 0.84, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HUSV vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HUSV	VIG
Technology	25.2%	29.0%
Financial Services	14.9%	19.9%
Utilities	11.8%	2.9%
Industrials	10.8%	11.3%
Real Estate	9.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	4.4%
Healthcare	7.2%	16.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	9.3%
Basic Materials	3.0%	3.3%
Energy	2.3%	3.2%
Communication Services	1.4%	0.5%

Return for Risk

HUSV vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

HUSV

HUSV Risk / Return Rank: 8
HUSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Martin Ratio Rank: 9

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 61
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

HUSV vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	HUSV	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.81	-1.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	2.62	-2.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.32	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	2.30	-2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	9.28	-9.36

HUSV vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HUSV Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HUSV and VIG, 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

HUSV vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HUSV drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HUSV and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HUSV	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-46.81%	+11.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.78%	-7.91%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.35%	-14.95%	+5.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.00%	-20.39%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.76%	-0.73%	-3.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-5.50%	+1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	1.96%	+0.96%

Volatility

HUSV vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) has a higher volatility of 3.06% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.78%. This indicates that HUSV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HUSV	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	2.78%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	7.67%	-1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.27%	10.06%	-0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.03%	14.22%	-2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.47%	16.03%	-1.56%

HUSV vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HUSV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

HUSV vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

HUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.66%	1.38%	1.14%	1.80%	1.68%	1.35%	1.29%	1.36%	1.48%	1.31%	0.35%	0.00%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HUSV and VIG in my portfolio?

HUSV and VIG have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HUSV or VIG?

HUSV has higher volatility (3.06%) compared to VIG (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HUSV dropped -35.72% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, HUSV or VIG?

On 5-year performance, VIG leads with 10.73% vs 5.67% for HUSV. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HUSV or VIG?

Over the 5-year period, VIG has performed better with a 10.73% return vs 5.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HUSV or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for HUSV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HUSV or VIG?

HUSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between HUSV and VIG?

HUSV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while VIG is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HUSV and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs -0.03), 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.