FDV: Never Forget Low Beta Is A Double-Edged Sword

  • FDV has an active strategy at the intersection of the dividend, quality, and low volatility factors. It is benchmarked against the S&P 500. Large exposure to utilities and low beta have somewhat protected it from deep losses this year. Nevertheless, its longer-term performance is underwhelming, as it meaningfully underperformed IVV. Its current factor mix is heavy in quality and value, but SCHD is better in multiple aspects.