VLLU vs. VLUE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and VLUE (iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - VLLU tracks the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index while VLUE tracks the MSCI USA Value Weighted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 26.23% vs 94.60% for VLUE. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VLUE.

Performance

VLLU vs. VLUE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLLU achieves a 11.14% return, which is significantly lower than VLUE's 49.63% return.

VLLU

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 6M: 14.80%
• 1Y: 26.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VLUE

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 21.03%
• YTD: 49.63%
• 6M: 53.55%
• 1Y: 94.60%
• 3Y*: 34.45%
• 5Y*: 16.59%
• 10Y*: 15.48%

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

VLLU vs. VLUE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	11.14%	17.35%	2.68%
VLUE iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF	49.63%	32.67%	2.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and VLUE is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.83

The correlation between VLLU and VLUE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

VLLU vs. VLUE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLLU	VLUE
Financial Services	27.0%	10.4%
Technology	23.8%	44.5%
Healthcare	13.6%	8.5%
Energy	9.4%	3.2%
Industrials	7.3%	7.4%
Communication Services	6.3%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	8.3%
Basic Materials	3.0%	1.6%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. VLUE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 74
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VLUE

VLUE Risk / Return Rank: 97
VLUE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
VLUE Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
VLUE Omega Ratio Rank: 97
VLUE Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
VLUE Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. VLUE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE). 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.

	VLLU	VLUE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	5.50	-3.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	7.03	-3.55
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.93	-0.52
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.20	10.48	-6.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	47.09	-31.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLLU vs. VLUE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is lower than the VLUE Sharpe Ratio of 5.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU and VLUE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VLLU	VLUE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	5.50	-3.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	0.76	+0.48

Drawdowns

VLLU vs. VLUE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, smaller than the maximum VLUE drawdown of -39.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and VLUE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	VLUE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-39.47%	+22.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-9.04%	+2.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-6.01%	+3.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	2.01%	-0.28%

Volatility

VLLU vs. VLUE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) is 3.66%, while iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) has a volatility of 7.99%. This indicates that VLLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VLUE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLLU	VLUE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	7.99%	-4.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.21%	13.96%	-5.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.01%	17.28%	-6.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.86%	17.78%	-2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.86%	19.82%	-4.96%

VLLU vs. VLUE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VLUE's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VLLU vs. VLUE - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than VLUE's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.37%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VLUE iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF	1.39%	2.11%	2.73%	2.66%	3.18%	2.22%	2.42%	2.61%	2.70%	2.14%	2.07%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and VLUE in my portfolio?

VLLU and VLUE have a correlation of 0.77, 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 VLUE?

VLUE has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to VLLU (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs VLUE's -39.47%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or VLUE?

On 1-year performance, VLUE leads with 94.60% vs 26.23% for VLLU. On fees, VLUE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VLLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLLU or VLUE?

Over the 1-year period, VLUE has performed better with a 94.60% return vs 26.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or VLUE?

VLUE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VLLU.

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

VLUE has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 1.37% for VLLU.

What is the main difference between VLLU and VLUE?

VLLU tracks Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while VLUE tracks MSCI USA Value Weighted Index. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.15% for VLUE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLUE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.50 vs 2.39), 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.