VWO vs. LVHI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and LVHI (Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while LVHI is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VWO returned 5.83%/yr vs 15.66%/yr for LVHI. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for LVHI.

Performance

VWO vs. LVHI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VWO having a 13.17% return and LVHI slightly lower at 13.06%.

VWO

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 15.35%
• 1Y: 29.26%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 5.83%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

LVHI

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 13.70%
• 1Y: 31.29%
• 3Y*: 21.07%
• 5Y*: 15.66%
• 10Y*: —

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

VWO vs. LVHI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	13.17%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	13.06%	27.12%	14.81%	17.45%	3.84%	18.19%	-8.76%	18.35%	-5.22%	12.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and LVHI is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2016	0.49

The correlation between VWO and LVHI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWO vs. LVHI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWO	LVHI
Technology	29.6%	0.1%
Financial Services	19.5%	24.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	5.5%
Industrials	8.0%	13.4%
Basic Materials	8.0%	6.8%
Communication Services	7.1%	5.8%
Energy	4.6%	16.6%
Healthcare	3.9%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	8.6%
Utilities	2.9%	10.0%
Real Estate	2.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VWO vs. LVHI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

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

LVHI

LVHI Risk / Return Rank: 93
LVHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Omega Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
LVHI Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VWO vs. LVHI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). 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.

	VWO	LVHI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	3.27	-1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	4.48	-2.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.62	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	5.17	-2.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.28	21.39	-12.11

VWO vs. LVHI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is lower than the LVHI Sharpe Ratio of 3.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO and LVHI, 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

VWO vs. LVHI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, which is greater than LVHI's maximum drawdown of -32.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and LVHI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	LVHI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-32.31%	-35.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-6.08%	-5.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-11.99%	-5.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.60%	-11.99%	-20.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-0.63%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.80%	-3.51%	-12.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	1.47%	+1.69%

Volatility

VWO vs. LVHI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) has a higher volatility of 6.98% compared to Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) at 2.83%. This indicates that VWO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LVHI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWO	LVHI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.98%	2.83%	+4.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.18%	7.76%	+6.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.62%	9.63%	+6.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	11.09%	+6.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.24%	13.75%	+5.49%

VWO vs. LVHI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than LVHI's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWO vs. LVHI - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.38%, less than LVHI's 4.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	4.72%	4.92%	3.98%	8.12%	7.74%	4.13%	3.97%	6.67%	10.67%	3.38%	2.02%	0.00%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.38%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWO and LVHI in my portfolio?

VWO and LVHI have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWO or LVHI?

VWO has higher volatility (6.98%) compared to LVHI (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs LVHI's -32.31%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or LVHI?

On 5-year performance, LVHI leads with 15.66% vs 5.83% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, LVHI has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or LVHI?

Over the 5-year period, LVHI has performed better with a 15.66% return vs 5.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or LVHI?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for LVHI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VWO or LVHI?

LVHI has the higher dividend yield at 4.72%, compared with 2.38% for VWO.

What is the main difference between VWO and LVHI?

VWO is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while LVHI is Volatility Hedged Equity. VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while LVHI tracks Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.40% for LVHI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.27 vs 1.77), 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.