CSTK vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CSTK (Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. CSTK is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, CSTK returned 26.71% vs 23.67% for FDL. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CSTK charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

CSTK vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) 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, CSTK achieves a 11.29% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

CSTK

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 11.29%
• 6M: 13.04%
• 1Y: 26.71%
• 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)

CSTK vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	11.29%	18.33%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	11.40%

Correlation

The correlation between CSTK and FDL is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2025	0.67

The correlation between CSTK and FDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSTK vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSTK

CSTK Risk / Return Rank: 70
CSTK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
CSTK Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
CSTK Omega Ratio Rank: 71
CSTK Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
CSTK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

CSTK vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) 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.

	CSTK	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.11	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	3.25	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.37	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	5.56	-2.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.85	13.56	-1.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CSTK vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSTK Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSTK 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

	CSTK	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	2.11	+0.27
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	2.54	0.45	+2.09

Drawdowns

CSTK vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSTK drawdown since its inception was -8.87%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSTK and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSTK	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-65.93%	+57.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-4.27%	-4.60%
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	-0.60%	-2.18%	+1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.28%	-9.66%	+8.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	1.75%	+0.51%

Volatility

CSTK vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is 2.68%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that CSTK 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

	CSTK	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.68%	2.85%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.45%	7.87%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.28%	11.28%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.60%	14.31%	-2.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.60%	17.11%	-5.51%

CSTK vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSTK has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSTK vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

CSTK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	1.77%	1.44%	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	3.68%	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 CSTK and FDL in my portfolio?

CSTK and FDL have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CSTK or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to CSTK (2.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSTK dropped -8.87% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, CSTK or FDL?

On 1-year performance, CSTK leads with 26.71% vs 23.67% for FDL. On fees, CSTK is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CSTK has been the lower-risk option at 2.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSTK or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, CSTK has performed better with a 26.71% return vs 23.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSTK or FDL?

CSTK is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 1.77% for CSTK.

What is the main difference between CSTK and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CSTK and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSTK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 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.