SHUS vs. FVC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SHUS (Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF) and FVC (First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF) are both Hedge Fund funds. SHUS is actively managed, while FVC is passively managed. Over the past year, SHUS returned 16.72% vs 20.47% for FVC. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SHUS charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for FVC.

Performance

SHUS vs. FVC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF (SHUS) and First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF (FVC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHUS achieves a 9.37% return, which is significantly lower than FVC's 14.86% return.

SHUS

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 9.37%
• 6M: 8.27%
• 1Y: 16.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FVC

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 14.86%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 20.47%
• 3Y*: 9.81%
• 5Y*: 4.32%
• 10Y*: 8.56%

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

SHUS vs. FVC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SHUS Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF	9.37%	10.89%	-2.65%
FVC First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF	14.86%	2.12%	1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between SHUS and FVC is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2024	0.70

The correlation between SHUS and FVC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SHUS vs. FVC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHUS

SHUS Risk / Return Rank: 55
SHUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SHUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SHUS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SHUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SHUS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FVC

FVC Risk / Return Rank: 43
FVC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FVC Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FVC Omega Ratio Rank: 51
FVC Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
FVC Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

SHUS vs. FVC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF (SHUS) and First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF (FVC). 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.

	SHUS	FVC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.43	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	1.98	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.29	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	1.54	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.56	6.00	+2.57

SHUS vs. FVC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the FVC Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHUS and FVC, 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

SHUS vs. FVC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHUS drawdown since its inception was -14.09%, smaller than the maximum FVC drawdown of -30.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHUS and FVC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHUS	FVC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.09%	-30.96%	+16.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.95%	-13.32%	+6.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.75%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.62%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	-2.17%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.59%	-7.03%	+4.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	3.42%	-1.46%

Volatility

SHUS vs. FVC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF (SHUS) is 3.07%, while First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF (FVC) has a volatility of 6.76%. This indicates that SHUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FVC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHUS	FVC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	6.76%	-3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.39%	13.66%	-6.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.18%	14.35%	-4.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.59%	16.49%	-3.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.59%	17.68%	-5.09%

SHUS vs. FVC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHUS has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than FVC's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHUS vs. FVC - Dividend Comparison

SHUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, less than FVC's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FVC First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF	1.96%	2.57%	0.78%	1.89%	1.50%	0.09%	0.21%	1.07%	0.24%	0.63%	0.67%
SHUS Syntax Stratified U.S. Total Market Hedged ETF	1.26%	1.37%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHUS and FVC in my portfolio?

SHUS and FVC have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHUS or FVC?

FVC has higher volatility (6.76%) compared to SHUS (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHUS dropped -14.09% vs FVC's -30.96%.

Which ETF is better, SHUS or FVC?

On 1-year performance, FVC leads with 20.47% vs 16.72% for SHUS. On fees, SHUS is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, SHUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHUS or FVC?

Over the 1-year period, FVC has performed better with a 20.47% return vs 16.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHUS or FVC?

SHUS is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for FVC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SHUS or FVC?

FVC has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.26% for SHUS.

What is the main difference between SHUS and FVC?

They also come from different issuers: Syntax Advisors and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SHUS and 0.71% for FVC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 1.43), 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.