VSMV vs. USMV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSMV (VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF) and USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSMV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility Index, while USMV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSMV returned 11.19%/yr vs 7.02%/yr for USMV. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSMV charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for USMV.

Performance

VSMV vs. USMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF (VSMV) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMV achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly higher than USMV's 1.14% return.

VSMV

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 7.18%
• 1Y: 22.71%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 11.19%
• 10Y*: —

USMV

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 6M: 0.51%
• 1Y: 3.59%
• 3Y*: 10.93%
• 5Y*: 7.02%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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

VSMV vs. USMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMV VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF	7.57%	16.77%	15.79%	12.34%	-7.56%	25.66%	5.05%	26.79%	-1.12%	11.48%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.14%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	20.85%	5.64%	27.69%	1.33%	7.59%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMV and USMV is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2017	0.82

The correlation between VSMV and USMV shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VSMV vs. USMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSMV	USMV
Technology	38.1%	33.9%
Consumer Defensive	16.1%	9.4%
Healthcare	14.1%	12.6%
Industrials	8.2%	6.1%
Financial Services	7.8%	11.7%
Communication Services	5.1%	6.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	5.7%
Energy	4.1%	2.7%
Basic Materials	1.6%	2.4%
Real Estate	0.0%	2.5%
Utilities	0.0%	6.9%

Return for Risk

VSMV vs. USMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMV

VSMV Risk / Return Rank: 83
VSMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VSMV Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VSMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VSMV Martin Ratio Rank: 84

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 15
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 13
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

VSMV vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF (VSMV) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). 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.

	VSMV	USMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	0.42	+2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	0.65	+2.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.08	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	0.56	+3.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.31	1.82	+14.48

VSMV vs. USMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMV Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the USMV Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMV and USMV, 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

VSMV vs. USMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMV drawdown since its inception was -31.33%, smaller than the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMV and USMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMV	USMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.33%	-33.10%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.18%	-6.46%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.22%	-9.36%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.96%	-17.93%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-2.63%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.40%	-2.87%	-0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.40%	1.98%	-0.58%

Volatility

VSMV vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF (VSMV) has a higher volatility of 3.31% compared to iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) at 2.63%. This indicates that VSMV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSMV	USMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	2.63%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.71%	6.14%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.30%	8.60%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.88%	12.35%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.02%	14.51%	+0.51%

VSMV vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMV has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMV vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison

VSMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than USMV's 1.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.53%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%
VSMV VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF	1.37%	1.35%	1.36%	1.77%	1.99%	1.36%	2.01%	2.00%	2.42%	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMV and USMV in my portfolio?

VSMV and USMV have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSMV or USMV?

VSMV has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to USMV (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMV dropped -31.33% vs USMV's -33.10%.

Which ETF is better, VSMV or USMV?

On 5-year performance, VSMV leads with 11.19% vs 7.02% for USMV. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSMV or USMV?

Over the 5-year period, VSMV has performed better with a 11.19% return vs 7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSMV or USMV?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for VSMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSMV or USMV?

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 1.37% for VSMV.

What is the main difference between VSMV and USMV?

VSMV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while USMV is Large Cap Blend Equities. VSMV tracks Nasdaq Victory Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility Index, while USMV tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Crestview and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VSMV and 0.15% for USMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 0.42), 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.