SIMS vs. BDVL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SIMS (SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF) and BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) are both Global Equities funds - SIMS tracks the S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index while BDVL tracks the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIMS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for BDVL.

Performance

SIMS vs. BDVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) 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, SIMS achieves a 13.06% return, which is significantly higher than BDVL's 4.71% return.

SIMS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 39.98%
• 3Y*: 12.52%
• 5Y*: 0.71%
• 10Y*: —

BDVL

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 4.71%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIMS vs. BDVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	13.06%	3.41%
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	4.71%	1.97%

Correlation

The correlation between SIMS and BDVL 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 Sep 16, 2025	0.60

SIMS vs. BDVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIMS	BDVL
Industrials	51.4%	15.4%
Technology	22.2%	23.0%
Energy	11.0%	2.8%
Communication Services	5.5%	10.7%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	8.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	2.6%
Utilities	3.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.3%
Financial Services	-	13.9%
Healthcare	-	11.1%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

SIMS vs. BDVL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIMS

SIMS Risk / Return Rank: 48
SIMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SIMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
SIMS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SIMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SIMS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

SIMS vs. BDVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) 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.

	SIMS	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.65	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SIMS	BDVL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	1.01	-0.76

Drawdowns

SIMS vs. BDVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIMS drawdown since its inception was -43.97%, which is greater than BDVL's maximum drawdown of -7.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIMS and BDVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIMS	BDVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.97%	-7.71%	-36.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.95%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.09%	-1.19%	-14.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SIMS	BDVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.95%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.26%	9.49%	+13.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.08%	9.49%	+15.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.02%	9.49%	+16.53%

SIMS vs. BDVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIMS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than BDVL's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIMS vs. BDVL - Dividend Comparison

SIMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, less than BDVL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	2.66%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	0.57%	0.66%	0.88%	1.49%	1.48%	0.97%	0.58%	1.24%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIMS and BDVL in my portfolio?

SIMS and BDVL 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, SIMS 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, SIMS or BDVL?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for SIMS.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.57% for SIMS.

What is the main difference between SIMS and BDVL?

SIMS tracks S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index, while BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for SIMS and 0.40% for BDVL.