# iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) ETF

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> **Last updated:** 2026-03-15 UTC  
> **Disclaimer:** This is not financial advice. Educational purposes only.

## Quick Answer

The iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) is an actively managed equity ETF with $1.45 billion in assets under management. BDVL aims to provide risk-adjusted total return, differentiating itself through a disciplined approach to volatility management. The fund's expense ratio is 0.41%, and it holds a diverse portfolio of 488 stocks, with a focus on large-cap companies and strategic international exposure through holdings like the iShares MSCI India ETF.

## Fund Snapshot

- **Fund Name:** iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF
- **Symbol:** BDVL
- **Asset Class:** Equity
- **Issuer:** IShares
- **Domicile:** US
- **Expense Ratio:** 0.41%
- **NAV:** $24.79
- **AUM:** $1.45B
- **Inception Date:** 2017-06-01
- **Holdings Count:** 488
- **Dividend Yield:** 0.00%
- **Beta:** 0.67

## About iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF

The iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF seeks to provide risk-adjusted total return.

## Investment Strategy

BDVL seeks to deliver risk-adjusted total return by actively managing its equity holdings. Unlike passive ETFs that track an index, BDVL's active management allows it to adjust its portfolio based on market conditions and volatility assessments. The fund invests in a variety of sectors, with significant allocations to Technology (21.9%), Industrials (14.2%), and Financial Services (12.4%). A notable holding is the iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) at 3.14%, indicating a strategic allocation to emerging markets. Other top holdings include Johnson & Johnson (1.75%), Verizon Communications Inc (1.36%), and Procter & Gamble Co (1.35%), reflecting a focus on established, large-cap companies. This ETF may appeal to investors seeking equity exposure with active risk management.

## Risk Profile

BDVL's risk profile is influenced by its active management and sector allocations. While the fund aims to manage volatility, its significant allocation to Technology (21.9%) exposes it to sector-specific risks. The fund's beta of 0.67 (3Y) suggests it is less volatile than the overall market. The expense ratio of 0.41% introduces a cost that can slightly detract from returns over time. The fund's top ten holdings account for a relatively small portion of the overall portfolio, suggesting a limited concentration risk outside of the INDA ETF position. Investors should consider these factors when assessing BDVL's suitability for their portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

## Top Holdings

- [iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/inda) — **Weight:** 3.14%
- [Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/jnj) — **Weight:** 1.75%
- [Verizon Communications Inc (VZ)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/vz) — **Weight:** 1.36%
- [Procter & Gamble Co (PG)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/pg) — **Weight:** 1.35%
- [Microsoft Corp (MSFT)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/msft) — **Weight:** 1.30%
- [Alphabet Inc Class C (GOOG)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/goog) — **Weight:** 1.19%
- [Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE.DE)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/dte.de) — **Weight:** 1.16%
- [Amphenol Corp Class A (APH)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/aph) — **Weight:** 1.08%
- [Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/hwm) — **Weight:** 1.04%
- [Motorola Solutions Inc (MSI)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/msi) — **Weight:** 0.99%

## Sector Allocation

- Technology: 21.9%
- Industrials: 14.2%
- Financial Services: 12.4%
- Healthcare: 11.5%
- Communication Services: 10.9%
- Consumer Cyclical: 9.5%
- Consumer Defensive: 7.8%
- Utilities: 4.9%
- Real Estate: 2.4%
- Basic Materials: 2.2%
- Energy: 2.2%
- Cash & Others: 0.0%

## Country Allocation

- United States: 52.3%
- Luxembourg: 0.7%
- Canada: 3.8%
- South Africa: 0.6%
- Japan: 8.5%
- Ireland: 1.6%
- Denmark: 0.7%
- China: 5.4%
- Australia: 1.3%
- France: 1.5%
- Germany: 2.0%
- United Kingdom: 1.6%
- Netherlands: 2.9%
- Hong Kong: 1.4%
- Switzerland: 1.8%

## Market Context

In the current market environment, characterized by fluctuating interest rates and economic uncertainty, BDVL's focus on risk-adjusted returns may be appealing to investors seeking to mitigate downside risk. The fund's allocation to defensive sectors like Healthcare and Consumer Staples could provide some stability during market downturns. However, its significant exposure to Technology means it is still sensitive to tech sector performance. Compared to other actively managed equity ETFs, BDVL's expense ratio and AUM are important factors to consider. Investors should evaluate how BDVL's active management strategy aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is BDVL and what does it track?

The iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) is an actively managed ETF that aims to provide risk-adjusted total return. Unlike passively managed ETFs, BDVL does not track a specific index. Instead, its portfolio managers actively select investments based on their assessment of market conditions and volatility. BDVL holds a diverse portfolio of 488 stocks across various sectors, with a focus on large-cap companies. Its top holding is the iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA), reflecting a strategic allocation to emerging markets.

### What is the expense ratio for BDVL?

The expense ratio for the iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) is 0.41%. This means that for every $10,000 invested in the fund, $41 is deducted annually to cover operating expenses. While 0.41% is not the lowest expense ratio available for equity ETFs, it is important to consider that BDVL is actively managed, which typically results in higher expenses compared to passively managed index funds. The category average for actively managed equity ETFs is approximately 0.75%.

### What are the top holdings in BDVL?

The top holdings in the iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) as of 2026-03-15 include: iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) at 3.14%, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) at 1.75%, Verizon Communications Inc (VZ) at 1.36%, Procter & Gamble Co (PG) at 1.35%, and Microsoft Corp (MSFT) at 1.30%. These holdings represent a mix of international exposure through INDA and established, large-cap companies in the healthcare, communication services, and consumer staples sectors. The fund's diversification extends beyond these top holdings, with a total of 488 stocks in its portfolio.

### Is BDVL a good long-term investment?

Whether BDVL is a suitable long-term investment depends on individual investment goals and risk tolerance. BDVL's active management aims to provide risk-adjusted returns, which may be attractive to investors seeking to mitigate downside risk. The fund's expense ratio of 0.41% should be considered in the context of its active management strategy. With a beta of 0.67, BDVL has historically been less volatile than the broader market. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investors should carefully evaluate BDVL's strategy and holdings before making a long-term investment decision.

### How does BDVL compare to similar ETFs?

BDVL differentiates itself from similar ETFs through its active management and focus on risk-adjusted returns. Many equity ETFs are passively managed and track a specific index, while BDVL's managers actively select investments. BDVL has an AUM of $1.45 billion, which is a significant size indicating investor confidence. Its expense ratio of 0.41% is competitive for an actively managed ETF. When comparing BDVL to other actively managed equity ETFs, investors should consider factors such as investment strategy, historical performance, and expense ratios to determine the best fit for their portfolios.

### Does BDVL pay dividends?

As of 2026-03-15, the iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) has a dividend yield of 0.00%. This indicates that the fund is not currently distributing dividends to its shareholders. Investors seeking dividend income may want to consider other equity ETFs with a higher dividend yield. However, BDVL's primary focus is on risk-adjusted total return, rather than dividend income.

## Data Sources

- Yahoo Finance (ETF bundle)
- Issuer prospectus
- Stock Expert AI proprietary analysis

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