VUSV vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUSV (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. VUSV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

VUSV vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF (VUSV) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSV achieves a 7.46% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 25.73% return.

VUSV

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 7.46%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 25.73%
• 6M: 23.17%
• 1Y: 40.73%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

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

VUSV vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSV Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF	7.46%	5.48%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.73%	-3.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSV and FAAR is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

VUSV vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

VUSV vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF (VUSV) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSV	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.23	0.45	+1.78

Drawdowns

VUSV vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSV drawdown since its inception was -7.06%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSV and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSV	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-18.03%	+10.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.85%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-1.11%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-7.85%	+6.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSV	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.94%	13.48%	-1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.94%	13.02%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.94%	11.51%	+0.43%

VUSV vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSV vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

VUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than FAAR's 9.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.15%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
VUSV Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF	0.18%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSV and FAAR in my portfolio?

VUSV and FAAR have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSV or FAAR?

On fees, VUSV is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSV or FAAR?

VUSV is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSV or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.15%, compared with 0.18% for VUSV.

What is the main difference between VUSV and FAAR?

VUSV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for VUSV and 0.95% for FAAR.