VLLU vs. GDIV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and GDIV (Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VLLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while GDIV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Harbor. VLLU is passively managed, while GDIV is actively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 26.28% vs 24.24% for GDIV. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for GDIV.

Performance

VLLU vs. GDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLLU achieves a 12.60% return, which is significantly higher than GDIV's 11.24% return.

VLLU

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 3.31%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 11.51%
• 1Y: 26.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDIV

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 11.24%
• 6M: 10.27%
• 1Y: 24.24%
• 3Y*: 16.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VLLU vs. GDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	12.60%	17.35%	1.89%
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	11.24%	10.81%	3.32%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and GDIV is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2024	0.79

The correlation between VLLU and GDIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

VLLU vs. GDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLLU	GDIV
Technology	26.6%	19.2%
Financial Services	22.2%	15.2%
Healthcare	13.1%	14.8%
Industrials	9.8%	17.0%
Energy	7.3%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	7.4%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	7.3%
Communication Services	5.0%	-
Basic Materials	3.7%	1.6%
Utilities	0.6%	3.7%
Real Estate	-	1.3%

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. GDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 78
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 80

GDIV

GDIV Risk / Return Rank: 64
GDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
GDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
GDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 67
GDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
GDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

VLLU vs. GDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV). 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.

	VLLU	GDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	2.04	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	2.94	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.37	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	2.52	+1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.12	10.46	+4.66

VLLU vs. GDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is comparable to the GDIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU and GDIV, 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

VLLU vs. GDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, smaller than the maximum GDIV drawdown of -18.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and GDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	GDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-18.93%	+2.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-9.67%	+3.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.80%	+0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-3.14%	+0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	2.32%	-0.58%

Volatility

VLLU vs. GDIV - Volatility Comparison

Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) has a higher volatility of 3.73% compared to Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) at 2.97%. This indicates that VLLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLLU	GDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	2.97%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.38%	9.38%	-1.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.19%	12.04%	-0.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.81%	15.28%	-0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.81%	15.28%	-0.47%

VLLU vs. GDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than GDIV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLLU vs. GDIV - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than GDIV's 1.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	1.13%	1.19%	1.30%	2.27%	5.88%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.35%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and GDIV in my portfolio?

VLLU and GDIV have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLLU or GDIV?

VLLU has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to GDIV (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs GDIV's -18.93%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or GDIV?

On 1-year performance, VLLU leads with 26.28% vs 24.24% for GDIV. On fees, VLLU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, GDIV has been the lower-risk option at 2.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLLU or GDIV?

Over the 1-year period, VLLU has performed better with a 26.28% return vs 24.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or GDIV?

VLLU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VLLU or GDIV?

VLLU has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.13% for GDIV.

What is the main difference between VLLU and GDIV?

VLLU is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while GDIV is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.50% for GDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 2.04), 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.