BDVG vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BDVG (iMGP Berkshire Dividend Growth ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. BDVG is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, BDVG returned 23.93% vs 23.67% for FDL. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BDVG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

BDVG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BDVG having a 12.71% return and FDL slightly higher at 13.33%.

BDVG

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 6.92%
• YTD: 12.71%
• 6M: 12.51%
• 1Y: 23.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

BDVG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BDVG iMGP Berkshire Dividend Growth ETF	12.71%	13.81%	11.75%	3.25%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	8.17%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVG and FDL is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 3, 2023	0.76

The correlation between BDVG and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BDVG vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVG	FDL
Industrials	18.6%	3.8%
Technology	18.2%	1.1%
Financial Services	17.0%	15.1%
Consumer Defensive	11.6%	14.7%
Energy	10.5%	27.3%
Healthcare	9.8%	16.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	3.8%
Basic Materials	3.7%	0.3%
Utilities	3.1%	6.5%
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Communication Services	0.6%	10.6%

Return for Risk

BDVG vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDVG

BDVG Risk / Return Rank: 74
BDVG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BDVG Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
BDVG Omega Ratio Rank: 73
BDVG Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
BDVG Martin Ratio Rank: 74

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

BDVG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iMGP Berkshire Dividend Growth ETF (BDVG) 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.

	BDVG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.11	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	3.25	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.37	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.59	5.56	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.81	13.56	+0.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BDVG vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BDVG Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BDVG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BDVG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42	2.11	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.21	0.45	+0.76

Drawdowns

BDVG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVG drawdown since its inception was -14.46%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.46%	-65.93%	+51.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.70%	-4.27%	-2.43%
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	-0.40%	-2.18%	+1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.35%	-9.66%	+7.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	1.75%	-0.01%

Volatility

BDVG vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

iMGP Berkshire Dividend Growth ETF (BDVG) has a higher volatility of 3.19% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 2.85%. This indicates that BDVG'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

	BDVG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	2.85%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.52%	7.87%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.96%	11.28%	-1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.95%	14.31%	-2.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.95%	17.11%	-5.16%

BDVG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

BDVG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BDVG iMGP Berkshire Dividend Growth ETF	1.52%	1.75%	1.69%	0.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	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 BDVG and FDL in my portfolio?

BDVG and FDL have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BDVG or FDL?

BDVG has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to FDL (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BDVG dropped -14.46% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, BDVG or FDL?

On 1-year performance, BDVG leads with 23.93% vs 23.67% for FDL. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BDVG or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, BDVG has performed better with a 23.93% return vs 23.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDVG or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for BDVG.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 1.52% for BDVG.

What is the main difference between BDVG and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: iMGP and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BDVG and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BDVG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.11), 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.