DALI vs. TDIV

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DALI (First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF) and TDIV (First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DALI is a Tactical Allocation fund tracking the Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index, while TDIV is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DALI returned 4.06%/yr vs 16.10%/yr for TDIV. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DALI charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for TDIV.

Performance

DALI vs. TDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DALI achieves a -0.65% return, which is significantly lower than TDIV's 13.37% return.

DALI

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -7.76%
• 6M: -6.20%
• YTD: -0.65%
• 1Y: 8.05%
• 3Y*: 2.82%
• 5Y*: 4.06%
• 10Y*: —

TDIV

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -6.20%
• 6M: 10.97%
• YTD: 13.37%
• 1Y: 20.66%
• 3Y*: 24.60%
• 5Y*: 16.10%
• 10Y*: 17.03%

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

DALI vs. TDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	-0.65%	11.89%	19.93%	-8.48%	-8.10%	22.28%	4.51%	25.39%	-14.98%
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	13.37%	25.27%	24.43%	36.71%	-22.13%	29.49%	17.55%	33.27%	-7.83%

Correlation

The correlation between DALI and TDIV is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2018	0.66

The correlation between DALI and TDIV shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (5 years) to 0.77 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DALI vs. TDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DALI

DALI Risk / Return Rank: 18
DALI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
DALI Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
DALI Omega Ratio Rank: 16
DALI Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
DALI Martin Ratio Rank: 22

TDIV

TDIV Risk / Return Rank: 33
TDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
TDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
TDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 32
TDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
TDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

DALI vs. TDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV). 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.

	DALI	TDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	1.02	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.71	1.47	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.18	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	1.41	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.08	4.15	-2.07

DALI vs. TDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DALI Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the TDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DALI and TDIV, 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

DALI vs. TDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DALI drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, which is greater than TDIV's maximum drawdown of -31.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DALI and TDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DALI	TDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-31.97%	-4.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.54%	-14.73%	+2.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.30%	-23.00%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.26%	-31.97%	+5.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.06%	-14.73%	+5.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.07%	-4.88%	-5.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.88%	4.99%	-1.11%

Volatility

DALI vs. TDIV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) have volatilities of 6.14% and 6.19%, 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

	DALI	TDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.14%	6.19%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.05%	16.14%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.90%	20.36%	-1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.95%	21.07%	-1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	20.96%	+0.02%

DALI vs. TDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DALI has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than TDIV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DALI vs. TDIV - Dividend Comparison

DALI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than TDIV's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	1.20%	0.38%	0.18%	3.42%	0.50%	0.11%	1.25%	0.45%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	1.38%	1.40%	1.59%	1.74%	2.51%	1.76%	2.07%	2.27%	2.97%	2.27%	2.45%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DALI and TDIV in my portfolio?

DALI and TDIV have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DALI or TDIV?

TDIV has higher volatility (6.19%) compared to DALI (6.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DALI dropped -36.06% vs TDIV's -31.97%.

Which ETF is better, DALI or TDIV?

On 5-year performance, TDIV leads with 16.10% vs 4.06% for DALI. On fees, TDIV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DALI or TDIV?

Over the 5-year period, TDIV has performed better with a 16.10% return vs 4.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DALI or TDIV?

TDIV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for DALI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DALI or TDIV?

TDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.38%, compared with 1.20% for DALI.

What is the main difference between DALI and TDIV?

DALI is categorized as Tactical Allocation, while TDIV is Technology Equities. DALI tracks Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index, while TDIV tracks NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for DALI and 0.50% for TDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.02 vs 0.43), 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.