VFVA vs. SYLD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VFVA (Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF) and SYLD (Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFVA returned 12.78%/yr vs 9.30%/yr for SYLD. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VFVA charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SYLD.

Performance

VFVA vs. SYLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFVA achieves a 18.18% return, which is significantly lower than SYLD's 21.10% return.

VFVA

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: 5.46%
• 6M: 13.23%
• YTD: 18.18%
• 1Y: 32.46%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: —

SYLD

• 1D: 1.89%
• 1M: 5.16%
• 6M: 13.57%
• YTD: 21.10%
• 1Y: 29.15%
• 3Y*: 12.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 13.51%

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

VFVA vs. SYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	18.18%	14.77%	7.67%	17.37%	-3.96%	36.94%	2.28%	25.42%	-18.90%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	21.10%	3.94%	3.37%	16.46%	-6.14%	48.59%	13.61%	26.98%	-13.92%

Correlation

The correlation between VFVA and SYLD is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.94

The correlation between VFVA and SYLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFVA vs. SYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFVA	SYLD
Financial Services	25.7%	22.7%
Healthcare	14.9%	5.7%
Technology	14.5%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	23.5%
Industrials	7.6%	8.3%
Energy	7.3%	17.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	6.7%
Communication Services	6.2%	6.0%
Basic Materials	3.3%	8.0%
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VFVA vs. SYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFVA

VFVA Risk / Return Rank: 84
VFVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VFVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VFVA Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VFVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VFVA Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SYLD

SYLD Risk / Return Rank: 79
SYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
SYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
SYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VFVA vs. SYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). 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.

	VFVA	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.91	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	2.89	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	4.23	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.25	11.44	+0.81

VFVA vs. SYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFVA Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the SYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFVA and SYLD, 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

VFVA vs. SYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFVA drawdown since its inception was -48.58%, which is greater than SYLD's maximum drawdown of -45.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFVA and SYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFVA	SYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.58%	-45.36%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.55%	-6.93%	-1.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.07%	-26.62%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.07%	-26.62%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.27%	-5.62%	-1.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	2.56%	+0.10%

Volatility

VFVA vs. SYLD - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) has a higher volatility of 4.24% compared to Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) at 3.70%. This indicates that VFVA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFVA	SYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	3.70%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	9.54%	+0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.97%	15.31%	-0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.10%	20.35%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.24%	22.90%	+1.34%

VFVA vs. SYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFVA has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than SYLD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFVA vs. SYLD - Dividend Comparison

VFVA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than SYLD's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	1.83%	2.25%	2.04%	1.92%	2.20%	2.37%	1.99%	2.08%	2.52%	1.57%	1.92%	6.93%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	1.79%	2.13%	2.40%	2.45%	2.21%	1.68%	2.04%	2.08%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFVA and SYLD in my portfolio?

VFVA and SYLD have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFVA or SYLD?

VFVA has higher volatility (4.24%) compared to SYLD (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFVA dropped -48.58% vs SYLD's -45.36%.

Which ETF is better, VFVA or SYLD?

On 5-year performance, VFVA leads with 12.78% vs 9.30% for SYLD. On fees, VFVA is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, SYLD has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFVA or SYLD?

Over the 5-year period, VFVA has performed better with a 12.78% return vs 9.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFVA or SYLD?

VFVA is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SYLD.

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

SYLD has the higher dividend yield at 1.83%, compared with 1.79% for VFVA.

What is the main difference between VFVA and SYLD?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for VFVA and 0.59% for SYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFVA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.91), 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.