NERD vs. BDVL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

NERD (Roundhill Video Games ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NERD is a Gaming fund actively managed by Roundhill Investments, while BDVL is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. NERD is actively managed, while BDVL is passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NERD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

NERD vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) 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, NERD achieves a -14.97% return, which is significantly lower than BDVL's 5.75% return.

NERD

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 2.16%
• 6M: -16.16%
• YTD: -14.97%
• 1Y: -19.34%
• 3Y*: 9.43%
• 5Y*: -6.04%
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.11%
• 6M: 4.83%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NERD vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	-14.97%	-14.36%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	5.75%	2.20%

Correlation

The correlation between NERD and BDVL is 0.54, 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 Sep 15, 2025	0.54

NERD vs. BDVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NERD	BDVL
Communication Services	90.2%	9.1%
Technology	4.6%	27.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	5.8%
Industrials	1.3%	12.7%
Financial Services	0.0%	15.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.5%
Energy	-	2.1%
Healthcare	-	10.8%
Real Estate	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	5.0%

Return for Risk

NERD vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NERD

NERD Risk / Return Rank: 3
NERD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
NERD Martin Ratio Rank: 5

BDVL

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

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.

NERD vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) 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.

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.

	NERD	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.99	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.33	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.58	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.99	—	—

Drawdowns

NERD vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NERD drawdown since its inception was -65.58%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NERD and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NERD	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.58%	-7.71%	-57.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.31%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.85%	-0.81%	-44.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-36.04%	-1.14%	-34.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NERD	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.54%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.77%	9.48%	+10.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.56%	9.48%	+15.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.42%	9.48%	+15.94%

NERD vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NERD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

NERD vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

NERD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than BDVL's 3.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.52%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	0.74%	0.63%	1.74%	1.07%	0.69%	0.02%	1.05%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NERD and BDVL in my portfolio?

NERD and BDVL have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NERD or BDVL?

On fees, BDVL is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NERD or BDVL?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for NERD.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 0.74% for NERD.

What is the main difference between NERD and BDVL?

NERD is categorized as Gaming, while BDVL is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: Roundhill Investments and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NERD and 0.40% for BDVL.