Is Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category of the market, the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) is a smart beta exchange traded fund launched on 12/28/2015.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 19, 2026

Should Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) Be on Your Investing Radar?

Launched on December 28, 2015, the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 6, 2026

LVHD: High Dividend, Low Beta Portfolio With Several Disadvantages Not To Ignore

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF is managed passively, with the focus being low-beta names with high dividend yields. The combination of the low volatility and value factors resulted in LVHD delivering a 1.75x lower annualized return than IVV over January 2016–December 2025. LVHD also underperformed USMV and DHS, delivering not only a weaker CAGR but also lower Sharpe and Sortino ratios.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 21, 2026

LVHD: Above-Average Yield, Low Volatility

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF targets above-average yields with low volatility, focusing on utilities, consumer staples, and real estate. LVHD offers a 3.3% dividend yield, outpacing most peers, but its total returns and Sharpe ratio have lagged the broader market and top dividend ETFs. The fund's defensive sector tilt and low beta provide downside protection but limit upside in risk-on markets, resulting in underperformance versus benchmarks.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 4, 2025

LVHD: A Yield Trap In Disguise

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) offers high dividends and low volatility but fails to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns. LVHD's sector concentration in utilities, consumer staples, and real estate limits exposure to growth sectors, especially IT, hindering long-term performance. Despite lower volatility and higher yield than IWV, LVHD underperforms on total and risk-adjusted returns, making it a yield trap for investors.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 26, 2025

3 Low Risk, High Yield ETFs for Retirees

FatCamera / iStock via Getty Images Balancing income and capital preservation is central for retirees.

24/7 Wall Street • Sep 22, 2025

LVHD Can Provide Investors With Stability And Income

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF offers a differentiated, low-volatility, high-dividend strategy focused on profitable U.S. companies with durable dividends, with sector and single-stock diversification caps. The LVHD ETF underweights tech and communication sectors, favoring consumer staples and utilities, which provides defensive positioning but may miss high-growth opportunities. LVHD charges a low fee, yields 3.47%, and has outperformed peers over 1- and 5-year periods, making it attractive for income-focused investors.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 16, 2025

LVHD: Lags In Bull Markets And Shows Inconsistent Drawdown Protection

LVHD shows inconsistent performance during market corrections but lags consistently during this bull market. With a turnover rate of 65% this ETF contradicts the promise of stability and adds unnecessary transaction fees. The 3.68% yield isn't truly high yield, and the payout ratio of 74% raises concerns about safety in major downturns.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 15, 2025

2 ETFs Under $50 Built for a Bear Market

With all of the uncertainty swirling around the economy, the stock market has been moving one step forward and two steps back.

24/7 Wall Street • May 27, 2025

Tax-Efficient Dividend Portfolio For Retired Investors With Low-Risk Tolerance

Crafting a dividend portfolio can provide reliable income for retirees, supplementing social security and ensuring financial stability with minimal market knowledge. Allocating funds to diversified ETFs like SCHD, LVHD, and DURA ensures consistent monthly income, tax efficiency, and low volatility. The portfolio aims for $42,000 in annual dividend income, with growth potential surpassing this target, ensuring retirees never touch the principal.

Seeking Alpha • May 2, 2025