IVSS vs. VSLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IVSS (Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF) and VSLU (Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVSS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Applied Finance, while VSLU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Applied Finance. Both are actively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVSS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for VSLU.

Performance

IVSS vs. VSLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) and Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVSS achieves a 15.51% return, which is significantly higher than VSLU's 2.77% return.

IVSS

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 4.21%
• YTD: 15.51%
• 6M: 13.84%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSLU

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -2.51%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 3.11%
• 1Y: 21.37%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: —

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

IVSS vs. VSLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IVSS Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF	15.51%	0.05%
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	2.77%	0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between IVSS and VSLU is 0.60, 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 Dec 4, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

IVSS vs. VSLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVSS

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

VSLU

VSLU Risk / Return Rank: 53
VSLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VSLU Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VSLU 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.

IVSS vs. VSLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) and Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU). 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.

	IVSS	VSLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.34	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.34	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.97	—

Drawdowns

IVSS vs. VSLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVSS drawdown since its inception was -8.31%, smaller than the maximum VSLU drawdown of -23.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVSS and VSLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVSS	VSLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-23.86%	+15.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.16%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-4.09%	+3.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-4.86%	+3.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.15%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IVSS	VSLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.73%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.74%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	12.73%	+2.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.13%	16.23%	-1.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.13%	16.12%	-0.99%

IVSS vs. VSLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVSS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VSLU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVSS vs. VSLU - Dividend Comparison

IVSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than VSLU's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IVSS Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF	0.06%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	0.45%	0.46%	0.60%	0.60%	0.99%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVSS and VSLU in my portfolio?

IVSS and VSLU have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IVSS or VSLU?

On fees, VSLU is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVSS or VSLU?

VSLU is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for IVSS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVSS or VSLU?

VSLU has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.06% for IVSS.

What is the main difference between IVSS and VSLU?

IVSS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VSLU is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for IVSS and 0.49% for VSLU.