CGDV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

CGDV (Capital Group Dividend Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. CGDV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CGDV returned 25.65%/yr vs 19.57%/yr for FDL. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CGDV charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

CGDV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) 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, CGDV achieves a 12.65% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.21% return.

CGDV

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 5.08%
• YTD: 12.65%
• 6M: 13.07%
• 1Y: 31.52%
• 3Y*: 25.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

CGDV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CGDV Capital Group Dividend Value ETF	12.65%	25.50%	20.10%	28.81%	-2.89%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.21%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	8.05%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDV and FDL is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between CGDV and FDL has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

CGDV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDV	FDL
Technology	34.1%	1.1%
Industrials	13.2%	3.8%
Healthcare	11.5%	16.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	3.8%
Communication Services	8.4%	10.6%
Financial Services	6.8%	15.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	14.7%
Energy	3.8%	27.3%
Basic Materials	2.9%	0.3%
Utilities	2.1%	6.5%
Real Estate	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

CGDV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGDV

CGDV Risk / Return Rank: 80
CGDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
CGDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
CGDV Omega Ratio Rank: 85
CGDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
CGDV Martin Ratio Rank: 80

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 77
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

CGDV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) 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.

	CGDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.27	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.75	3.49	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.40	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	5.99	-2.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.36	14.59	+0.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGDV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDV 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

	CGDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.27	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.25	0.45	+0.80

Drawdowns

CGDV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDV drawdown since its inception was -21.82%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.82%	-65.93%	+44.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.75%	-4.27%	-5.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-12.24%	-2.04%
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	0.00%	-1.41%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-9.66%	+6.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	1.75%	+0.31%

Volatility

CGDV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 3.08% and 2.95%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGDV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.08%	2.95%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.15%	7.85%	+1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.58%	11.30%	+0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.48%	14.31%	+1.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.48%	17.11%	-1.63%

CGDV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDV has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

CGDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, less than FDL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDV Capital Group Dividend Value ETF	1.16%	1.29%	1.60%	1.65%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.65%	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 CGDV and FDL in my portfolio?

CGDV and FDL have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDV or FDL?

CGDV has higher volatility (3.08%) compared to FDL (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDV dropped -21.82% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, CGDV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, CGDV leads with 25.65% vs 19.57% for FDL. On fees, CGDV is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, CGDV has performed better with a 25.65% return vs 19.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDV or FDL?

CGDV is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.16% for CGDV.

What is the main difference between CGDV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CGDV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.27), 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.