SCDV vs. HSMV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SCDV (Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF) and HSMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SCDV returned 19.20% vs 7.28% for HSMV. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCDV charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for HSMV.

Performance

SCDV vs. HSMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCDV achieves a 14.63% return, which is significantly higher than HSMV's 5.35% return.

SCDV

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 14.63%
• 6M: 12.47%
• 1Y: 19.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HSMV

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 4.27%
• 1Y: 7.28%
• 3Y*: 9.56%
• 5Y*: 4.56%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCDV vs. HSMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SCDV Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF	14.63%	3.09%	-6.73%
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	5.35%	1.57%	-4.51%

Correlation

The correlation between SCDV and HSMV is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.75

The correlation between SCDV and HSMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCDV vs. HSMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCDV

SCDV Risk / Return Rank: 35
SCDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
SCDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SCDV Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SCDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SCDV Martin Ratio Rank: 35

HSMV

HSMV Risk / Return Rank: 20
HSMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
HSMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
HSMV Omega Ratio Rank: 18
HSMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
HSMV Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

SCDV vs. HSMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). 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.

	SCDV	HSMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	0.69	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	1.09	+0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.12	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	0.93	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	2.77	+2.32

SCDV vs. HSMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is higher than the HSMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCDV and HSMV, 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

SCDV vs. HSMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCDV drawdown since its inception was -23.14%, which is greater than HSMV's maximum drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCDV and HSMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCDV	HSMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.14%	-19.16%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.38%	-7.83%	-3.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-2.29%	+2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-5.59%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.78%	2.63%	+1.15%

Volatility

SCDV vs. HSMV - Volatility Comparison

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF (SCDV) has a higher volatility of 4.65% compared to First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV) at 3.45%. This indicates that SCDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HSMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCDV	HSMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	3.45%	+1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	7.58%	+4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.77%	10.60%	+5.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	14.99%	+4.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	16.03%	+3.05%

SCDV vs. HSMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCDV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than HSMV's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCDV vs. HSMV - Dividend Comparison

SCDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than HSMV's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	1.96%	2.01%	1.43%	1.43%	1.26%	0.76%	0.80%
SCDV Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Dividend ETF	0.50%	0.61%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCDV and HSMV in my portfolio?

SCDV and HSMV have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCDV or HSMV?

SCDV has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to HSMV (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCDV dropped -23.14% vs HSMV's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, SCDV or HSMV?

On 1-year performance, SCDV leads with 19.20% vs 7.28% for HSMV. On fees, SCDV is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, HSMV has been the lower-risk option at 3.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCDV or HSMV?

Over the 1-year period, SCDV has performed better with a 19.20% return vs 7.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCDV or HSMV?

SCDV is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HSMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCDV or HSMV?

HSMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.50% for SCDV.

What is the main difference between SCDV and HSMV?

They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for SCDV and 0.80% for HSMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.69), 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.