VSDA vs. CDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSDA (VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF) and CDL (VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory Dividend Accelerator Index, while CDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory U.S. Large Cap High Dividend 100 Volatility Weighted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSDA returned 6.69%/yr vs 8.68%/yr for CDL. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

VSDA vs. CDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) and VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDA achieves a 4.72% return, which is significantly lower than CDL's 10.43% return.

VSDA

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 4.72%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 10.40%
• 3Y*: 9.81%
• 5Y*: 6.69%
• 10Y*: —

CDL

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.38%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 10.31%
• 1Y: 18.04%
• 3Y*: 14.68%
• 5Y*: 8.68%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

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

VSDA vs. CDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSDA VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF	4.72%	6.67%	9.40%	8.74%	-4.42%	21.95%	12.72%	31.39%	-1.40%	14.27%
CDL VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	10.43%	9.04%	15.58%	3.03%	-0.45%	33.42%	-3.35%	26.38%	-5.86%	11.66%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDA and CDL is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2017	0.80

The correlation between VSDA and CDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSDA vs. CDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSDA	CDL
Consumer Defensive	31.5%	15.9%
Financial Services	21.0%	23.4%
Industrials	16.8%	2.3%
Basic Materials	8.0%	0.0%
Healthcare	7.6%	6.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	6.6%
Technology	4.7%	6.9%
Utilities	2.7%	24.3%
Energy	2.5%	9.5%
Communication Services	0.1%	4.4%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.0%

Return for Risk

VSDA vs. CDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDA

VSDA Risk / Return Rank: 24
VSDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
VSDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VSDA Omega Ratio Rank: 23
VSDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VSDA Martin Ratio Rank: 22

CDL

CDL Risk / Return Rank: 58
CDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
CDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
CDL Omega Ratio Rank: 50
CDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
CDL Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VSDA vs. CDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) and VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL). 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.

	VSDA	CDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.86	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	2.77	-1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	3.20	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.84	11.35	-8.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSDA vs. CDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDA Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the CDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDA and CDL, 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

	VSDA	CDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93	1.86	-0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.63	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.64	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.65	+0.02

Drawdowns

VSDA vs. CDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDA drawdown since its inception was -32.12%, smaller than the maximum CDL drawdown of -41.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDA and CDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDA	CDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.12%	-41.03%	+8.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.44%	-5.66%	-3.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.54%	-12.87%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.14%	-17.28%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.28%	-2.19%	-4.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.64%	-4.35%	+0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	1.59%	+2.08%

Volatility

VSDA vs. CDL - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) has a higher volatility of 2.84% compared to VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) at 2.66%. This indicates that VSDA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDA	CDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.84%	2.66%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.12%	6.86%	+1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.23%	9.75%	+1.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.03%	13.85%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	17.04%	-0.45%

VSDA vs. CDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VSDA and CDL have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

VSDA vs. CDL - Dividend Comparison

VSDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, less than CDL's 3.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CDL VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	3.17%	3.33%	3.27%	3.61%	3.31%	2.60%	3.32%	3.04%	3.32%	2.87%	2.97%	1.28%
VSDA VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF	2.61%	2.65%	2.36%	1.92%	1.83%	1.40%	1.49%	1.36%	1.69%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDA and CDL in my portfolio?

VSDA and CDL have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSDA or CDL?

VSDA has higher volatility (2.84%) compared to CDL (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDA dropped -32.12% vs CDL's -41.03%.

Which ETF is better, VSDA or CDL?

On 5-year performance, CDL leads with 8.68% vs 6.69% for VSDA. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, CDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSDA or CDL?

Over the 5-year period, CDL has performed better with a 8.68% return vs 6.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDA or CDL?

VSDA and CDL have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSDA or CDL?

CDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.17%, compared with 2.61% for VSDA.

What is the main difference between VSDA and CDL?

VSDA is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while CDL is Large Cap Value Equities. VSDA tracks Nasdaq Victory Dividend Accelerator Index, while CDL tracks Nasdaq Victory U.S. Large Cap High Dividend 100 Volatility Weighted Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.93), 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.