MDPL vs. VFVA

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MDPL (Monarch Dividend Plus ETF) and VFVA (Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. MDPL is passively managed, while VFVA is actively managed. Over the past year, MDPL returned 4.86% vs 30.62% for VFVA. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDPL charges 1.24%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFVA.

Performance

MDPL vs. VFVA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Monarch Dividend Plus ETF (MDPL) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDPL achieves a -1.68% return, which is significantly lower than VFVA's 10.41% return.

MDPL

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -1.68%
• 6M: -0.85%
• 1Y: 4.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VFVA

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 6M: 11.51%
• 1Y: 30.62%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 9.66%
• 10Y*: —

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

MDPL vs. VFVA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MDPL Monarch Dividend Plus ETF	-1.68%	7.57%	0.33%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	10.41%	14.77%	6.51%

Correlation

The correlation between MDPL and VFVA is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2024	0.83

The correlation between MDPL and VFVA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MDPL vs. VFVA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDPL

MDPL Risk / Return Rank: 14
MDPL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
MDPL Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
MDPL Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MDPL Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
MDPL Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VFVA

VFVA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VFVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VFVA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VFVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VFVA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

MDPL vs. VFVA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Monarch Dividend Plus ETF (MDPL) and Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA). 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.

	MDPL	VFVA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.32	2.01	-1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.59	2.93	-2.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.35	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.47	3.60	-3.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.01	11.40	-10.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDPL vs. VFVA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDPL Sharpe Ratio is 0.32, which is lower than the VFVA Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDPL and VFVA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MDPL	VFVA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32	2.01	-1.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.43	-0.25

Drawdowns

MDPL vs. VFVA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDPL drawdown since its inception was -14.21%, smaller than the maximum VFVA drawdown of -48.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDPL and VFVA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDPL	VFVA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.21%	-48.58%	+34.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.34%	-8.55%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.07%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.21%	-0.69%	-5.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.38%	-7.30%	+2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.83%	2.69%	+2.14%

Volatility

MDPL vs. VFVA - Volatility Comparison

Monarch Dividend Plus ETF (MDPL) has a higher volatility of 4.59% compared to Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) at 3.59%. This indicates that MDPL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFVA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDPL	VFVA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	3.59%	+1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.97%	9.83%	+1.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.27%	15.33%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.15%	20.18%	-5.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.15%	24.31%	-9.16%

MDPL vs. VFVA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDPL has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VFVA's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDPL vs. VFVA - Dividend Comparison

MDPL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, less than VFVA's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MDPL Monarch Dividend Plus ETF	1.31%	1.42%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	1.93%	2.13%	2.40%	2.45%	2.21%	1.68%	2.04%	2.08%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDPL and VFVA in my portfolio?

MDPL and VFVA have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDPL or VFVA?

MDPL has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to VFVA (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDPL dropped -14.21% vs VFVA's -48.58%.

Which ETF is better, MDPL or VFVA?

On 1-year performance, VFVA leads with 30.62% vs 4.86% for MDPL. On fees, VFVA is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFVA has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDPL or VFVA?

Over the 1-year period, VFVA has performed better with a 30.62% return vs 4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDPL or VFVA?

VFVA is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 1.24% for MDPL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MDPL or VFVA?

VFVA has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.31% for MDPL.

What is the main difference between MDPL and VFVA?

They also come from different issuers: Monarch and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.24% for MDPL and 0.13% for VFVA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFVA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 0.32), 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.