CDL vs. DLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CDL (VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - CDL tracks the Nasdaq Victory U.S. Large Cap High Dividend 100 Volatility Weighted Index while DLN tracks the WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CDL returned 11.31%/yr vs 12.86%/yr for DLN. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CDL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

CDL vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CDL achieves a 13.80% return, which is significantly higher than DLN's 9.95% return. Over the past 10 years, CDL has underperformed DLN with an annualized return of 11.31%, while DLN has yielded a comparatively higher 12.86% annualized return.

CDL

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 13.80%
• 6M: 13.70%
• 1Y: 20.88%
• 3Y*: 15.81%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: 11.31%

DLN

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 9.49%
• 1Y: 21.42%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 12.49%
• 10Y*: 12.86%

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

CDL vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CDL VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	13.80%	9.04%	15.58%	3.03%	-0.45%	33.42%	-3.35%	26.38%	-5.86%	16.29%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	9.95%	15.53%	19.66%	9.95%	-3.78%	25.60%	4.59%	28.91%	-5.82%	18.22%

Correlation

The correlation between CDL and DLN is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2015	0.85

The correlation between CDL and DLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.87 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CDL vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CDL	DLN
Utilities	23.7%	5.5%
Financial Services	23.1%	17.4%
Consumer Defensive	15.8%	8.9%
Energy	9.0%	7.9%
Technology	8.0%	22.8%
Healthcare	6.9%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	4.9%
Communication Services	4.4%	7.5%
Industrials	2.2%	7.8%
Basic Materials	0.0%	1.0%
Real Estate	0.0%	3.9%

Return for Risk

CDL vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

CDL

CDL Risk / Return Rank: 71
CDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
CDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
CDL Omega Ratio Rank: 64
CDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
CDL Martin Ratio Rank: 74

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 78
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

CDL vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). 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.

	CDL	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.39	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.40	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	3.53	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.08	14.80	-1.72

CDL vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CDL Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CDL and DLN, 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

CDL vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CDL drawdown since its inception was -41.03%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CDL and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	CDL	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.03%	-57.84%	+16.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.66%	-6.10%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.87%	-13.71%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.28%	-16.26%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.03%	-35.82%	-5.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-1.12%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.33%	-7.50%	+3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.60%	1.45%	+0.15%

Volatility

CDL vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) has a higher volatility of 3.47% compared to WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) at 2.78%. This indicates that CDL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CDL	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	2.78%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.14%	7.00%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	9.03%	+0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	13.27%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	16.14%	+0.90%

CDL vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

CDL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

CDL vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

CDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.13%, more than DLN's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CDL VictoryShares US Large Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	3.13%	3.33%	3.27%	3.61%	3.31%	2.60%	3.32%	3.04%	3.32%	2.87%	2.97%	1.28%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CDL and DLN in my portfolio?

CDL and DLN have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CDL or DLN?

CDL has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to DLN (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CDL dropped -41.03% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, CDL or DLN?

On 10-year performance, DLN leads with 12.86% vs 11.31% for CDL. On fees, DLN is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CDL or DLN?

Over the 10-year period, DLN has performed better with a 12.86% return vs 11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CDL or DLN?

DLN is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CDL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CDL or DLN?

CDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.13%, compared with 1.79% for DLN.

What is the main difference between CDL and DLN?

CDL tracks Nasdaq Victory U.S. Large Cap High Dividend 100 Volatility Weighted Index, while DLN tracks WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Crestview and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CDL and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.10), 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.