BLCV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BLCV (Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. BLCV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BLCV returned 18.17%/yr vs 19.10%/yr for FDL. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BLCV charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

BLCV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF (BLCV) 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, BLCV achieves a 6.47% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

BLCV

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 6.47%
• 6M: 5.91%
• 1Y: 18.72%
• 3Y*: 18.17%
• 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)

BLCV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BLCV Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF	6.47%	19.96%	12.63%	14.56%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	14.79%	17.98%	9.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BLCV and FDL is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2023	0.74

The correlation between BLCV and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BLCV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLCV	FDL
Technology	18.3%	1.4%
Financial Services	14.9%	15.2%
Industrials	14.2%	3.9%
Healthcare	11.6%	17.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	4.7%
Communication Services	9.5%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	14.4%
Energy	6.0%	25.7%
Utilities	4.4%	6.5%
Real Estate	2.7%	-
Basic Materials	2.4%	0.3%

Return for Risk

BLCV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLCV

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

BLCV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF (BLCV) 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.

	BLCV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.95	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.96	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	5.26	-3.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.49	12.40	-3.91

BLCV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLCV Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLCV 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

BLCV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLCV drawdown since its inception was -13.44%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLCV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLCV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.44%	-65.93%	+52.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-4.27%	-5.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-12.24%	-1.20%
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	-1.81%	-3.09%	+1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-9.64%	+7.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	1.81%	+0.65%

Volatility

BLCV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF (BLCV) is 3.36%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that BLCV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLCV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	3.72%	-0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.03%	8.09%	+0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.65%	11.54%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.81%	14.31%	-1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.81%	17.11%	-4.30%

BLCV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLCV has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLCV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

BLCV has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLCV Blackrock Large Cap Value ETF	1.01%	1.37%	1.63%	1.02%	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 BLCV and FDL in my portfolio?

BLCV and FDL have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLCV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to BLCV (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLCV dropped -13.44% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, BLCV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, FDL leads with 19.10% vs 18.17% for BLCV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, BLCV has been the lower-risk option at 3.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLCV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, FDL has performed better with a 19.10% return vs 18.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLCV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for BLCV.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 1.01% for BLCV.

What is the main difference between BLCV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for BLCV and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.79), 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.