BASV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BASV (Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past year, BASV returned 20.72% vs 22.39% for FDL. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BASV charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

BASV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF (BASV) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BASV achieves a 9.54% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

BASV

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 9.54%
• 6M: 8.35%
• 1Y: 20.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

BASV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BASV Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF	9.54%	10.32%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	8.32%

Correlation

The correlation between BASV and FDL is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

BASV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BASV

BASV Risk / Return Rank: 48
BASV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BASV Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
BASV Omega Ratio Rank: 46
BASV Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
BASV Martin Ratio Rank: 50

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 69
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

BASV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF (BASV) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). 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.

	BASV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.95	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.96	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	5.26	-3.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.81	12.40	-4.59

BASV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BASV Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BASV and FDL, 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

BASV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BASV drawdown since its inception was -9.43%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BASV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BASV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.43%	-65.93%	+56.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-4.27%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-3.09%	+2.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-9.64%	+7.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	1.81%	+0.85%

Volatility

BASV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF (BASV) has a higher volatility of 4.35% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 3.72%. This indicates that BASV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BASV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	3.72%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.01%	8.09%	+2.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.83%	11.54%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.75%	14.31%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	17.11%	-3.36%

BASV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BASV has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

BASV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

BASV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than FDL's 3.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BASV Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.70%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BASV and FDL in my portfolio?

BASV and FDL have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BASV or FDL?

BASV has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to FDL (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BASV dropped -9.43% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, BASV or FDL?

On 1-year performance, FDL leads with 22.39% vs 20.72% for BASV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 3.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BASV or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, FDL has performed better with a 22.39% return vs 20.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BASV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for BASV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BASV or FDL?

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.38% for BASV.

What is the main difference between BASV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Brown Advisory and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.71% for BASV and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.51), 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.