What Is the VLUE ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Fees, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is a value-factor ETF that diversifies across undervalued large- and mid-cap stocks. Its low management fee, quarterly dividends, and performance relative to growth stocks are the key selection criteria, and it is used as a value complement to core holdings.
SubscribeWhat Is the iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF?
This is a value-style factor ETF that tracks the MSCI USA Value Factor Index. It follows a rules-based strategy that selects stocks with strong value metrics from a universe of US large- and mid-cap stocks and allocates weights in a nearly sector-neutral manner.
It suits investors who want to add value exposure to a growth-heavy portfolio, or who want to diversify systematically into undervalued areas of the market.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by BlackRock (iShares).
How Does the iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index-tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Semiannual |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% |
Using the MSCI USA Index as its universe, the fund combines value metrics such as price-to-earnings, enterprise value to earnings, and book value, and gives more weight to stocks with higher scores. It is designed to limit sector concentration, which reduces skew toward any single industry while still securing broad value-factor exposure.
- Rules-based value-factor selection
- Weight allocation close to sector-neutral
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $9.6B, and the expense ratio is 0.15% per year.
Its strengths are a lower fee than comparable ETFs in the same value category and a large asset base.
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe value style has shown a pattern in which its performance relative to growth stocks diverges depending on interest rates and the economic cycle. It can lag in markets led by growth stocks, and it tends to show relative strength when preference for value recovers.
Fund flows move in and out with demand for value and factor investing, and inflows for diversification sometimes appear when concerns about growth-stock valuations intensify. As a large ETF in its category with a broad asset base, trading is also relatively smooth.
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Pros and Cons
Its strengths are a low fee and clear value-factor exposure, while its weaknesses are relative underperformance in growth-led markets and style volatility.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products to the iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF
The three funds shown in the table, NULV, FVAL, and VFVA, are direct comparisons within the same large-cap value category, and they differ in issuer, fees, and strategy details. Meanwhile, AVUV is an alternative if you want to focus on small-cap value, and JAVA is one if you prefer actively managed value. If you also want to look at large-cap growth exposure, the opposite side of value, you can consider IWF, and IVV is another option to compare as a core holding covering the broad US market.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AVUV | Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF | $123.43 | -0.7% | $32.5B | 0.25% | 1.23% | +26.8% |
 JAVA | JPMorgan Active Value ETF | $82.96 | -0.6% | $7.4B | 0.44% | 1.14% | +20.1% |
 NULV | Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF | $54.47 | -0.9% | $2.6B | 0.26% | 1.35% | +23.1% |
 FVAL | Fidelity Value Factor ETF | $81.99 | -1.0% | $1.4B | 0.15% | 1.5% | +16.1% |
 JVAL | JPMorgan U.S. Value Factor ETF | $58.82 | -1.3% | $1.1B | 0.12% | 1.58% | +22.5% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MU | Micron Technology Inc | 0.31% | $884.74 | -5.3% | $1.00T | 11.9 | 0.08% |
| INTC | Intel Corp | 0.09% | $65.76 | -28.6% | $347.6B | - | 0.06% |
| CSCO | Cisco Systems Inc | 0.10% | $104.51 | -3.8% | $412.0B | 31.4 | 1.63% |
| GM | General Motors Company | 0.07% | $87.40 | +2.0% | $73.7B | 20.0 | 0.83% |
| AMAT | Applied Materials Inc | 0.04% | $390.09 | -7.5% | $309.6B | 33.6 | 0.5% |
| VZ | Verizon Communications Inc | 0.06% | $44.73 | +2.5% | $185.4B | 11.4 | 6.31% |
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in VLUE. Because it is a value-factor ETF, checking the style cycle, costs, relative performance versus growth stocks, and currency exposure in advance will help you clearly set expectations and risks for your holding period.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the cumulative cost impact over a long holding period | Low |
| 📊 Style Exposure | Check value-factor weighting and sector distribution | Value-focused |
| 🔄 Rebalancing | Check how often factor scores are recalculated | Semiannual |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact on won-converted returns | Unhedged |
If the value style lags growth stocks for an extended period, relative performance can suffer. Keep in mind that factor investing is a strategy whose benefits are expected over the long term rather than the short term.
It is a reasonable option for investors who want to offset a tilt toward growth stocks and add value exposure. If you want small-cap value, it is worth comparing AVUV, and if you want active management, JAVA.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 21, 2026.
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