VT vs. LVHD

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and LVHD (Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while LVHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VT returned 12.23%/yr vs 8.26%/yr for LVHD. Their 0.58 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for LVHD.

Performance

VT vs. LVHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VT achieves a 9.97% return, which is significantly lower than LVHD's 14.88% return. Over the past 10 years, VT has outperformed LVHD with an annualized return of 12.23%, while LVHD has yielded a comparatively lower 8.26% annualized return.

VT

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.42%
• 6M: 6.83%
• YTD: 9.97%
• 1Y: 18.89%
• 3Y*: 17.84%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: 12.23%
• ALL TIME*: 8.75%

LVHD

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: 2.81%
• 6M: 10.82%
• YTD: 14.88%
• 1Y: 14.41%
• 3Y*: 9.97%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 8.26%
• ALL TIME*: 9.29%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	$1.99M	$3.02M	$2.88M
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	$317.04M	$378.09M	$471.57M

VT vs. LVHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	9.97%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	14.88%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-5.58%	14.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and LVHD is 0.11, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2015	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between VT and LVHD has dropped to 0.11 - well below their long-term average of 0.58, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VT vs. LVHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	LVHD
Technology	31.2%	3.1%
Financial Services	15.7%	8.6%
Industrials	11.7%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	7.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	4.7%
Communication Services	7.4%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	21.8%
Basic Materials	3.8%	-
Energy	3.6%	7.0%
Utilities	2.5%	24.8%
Real Estate	2.3%	15.4%

Return for Risk

VT vs. LVHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 60
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 59
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 54
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

VT vs. LVHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD). 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.

	VT	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.39	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.10	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	2.35	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.34	5.80	+2.54

VT vs. LVHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the LVHD Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and LVHD, 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

VT vs. LVHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, which is greater than LVHD's maximum drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and LVHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	LVHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-37.32%	-12.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-6.17%	-3.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-13.76%	-2.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-16.75%	-9.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-37.32%	+3.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	0.00%	-2.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.98%	-4.01%	-2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.30%	2.49%	-0.19%

Volatility

VT vs. LVHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is 3.47%, while Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) has a volatility of 4.59%. This indicates that VT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LVHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VT	LVHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	4.59%	-1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.44%	8.15%	+3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.76%	10.44%	+3.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	13.02%	+3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.16%	15.56%	+1.60%

VT vs. LVHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than LVHD's 0.27% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VT vs. LVHD - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, less than LVHD's 3.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	3.16%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%	0.00%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and LVHD in my portfolio?

VT and LVHD have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VT or LVHD?

LVHD has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to VT (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs LVHD's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, VT or LVHD?

On 10-year performance, VT leads with 12.23% vs 8.26% for LVHD. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VT has been the lower-risk option at 3.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VT or LVHD?

Over the 10-year period, VT has performed better with a 12.23% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or LVHD?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for LVHD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VT or LVHD?

LVHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.16%, compared with 1.61% for VT.

What is the main difference between VT and LVHD?

VT is categorized as Global Equities, while LVHD is Dividend. VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index, while LVHD tracks Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.27% for LVHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.39), 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.