DEW vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DEW (WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - DEW tracks the WisdomTree Global High Dividend Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DEW returned 9.68%/yr vs 11.09%/yr for FDL. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DEW charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

DEW vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DEW having a 12.63% return and FDL slightly lower at 12.30%. Over the past 10 years, DEW has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 9.68%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.09% annualized return.

DEW

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 12.63%
• 6M: 12.02%
• 1Y: 24.38%
• 3Y*: 19.15%
• 5Y*: 11.40%
• 10Y*: 9.68%

FDL

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -3.06%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 21.91%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.94%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

DEW vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DEW WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund	12.63%	22.39%	11.58%	9.39%	-2.73%	21.29%	-7.32%	20.45%	-10.58%	15.38%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.30%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DEW and FDL 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	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.77

The correlation between DEW and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DEW vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DEW	FDL
Financial Services	19.7%	15.2%
Energy	14.7%	25.7%
Utilities	10.8%	6.5%
Real Estate	10.8%	-
Healthcare	9.5%	17.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	14.4%
Industrials	4.4%	3.9%
Communication Services	4.1%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	4.7%
Basic Materials	2.8%	0.3%
Technology	2.5%	1.4%

Return for Risk

DEW vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEW

DEW Risk / Return Rank: 84
DEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DEW Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
DEW Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 72
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

DEW vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) 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.

	DEW	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.91	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	2.90	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.33	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.86	5.15	-1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.10	12.05	+3.05

DEW vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEW Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEW 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

DEW vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEW drawdown since its inception was -65.55%, roughly equal to the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEW and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEW	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.55%	-65.93%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.34%	-4.27%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.80%	-12.24%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.86%	-16.46%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.77%	-41.40%	+2.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-3.40%	+1.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.40%	-9.63%	-2.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	1.82%	-0.20%

Volatility

DEW vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) is 2.78%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.54%. This indicates that DEW 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

	DEW	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.78%	3.54%	-0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.36%	8.10%	-0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.75%	11.55%	-1.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.98%	14.31%	-1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.41%	17.11%	-1.70%

DEW vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEW has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEW vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

DEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, less than FDL's 3.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEW WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund	3.19%	3.71%	4.02%	4.55%	3.82%	3.55%	4.10%	3.74%	4.17%	3.18%	3.42%	4.32%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.71%	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 DEW and FDL in my portfolio?

DEW and FDL 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, DEW or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to DEW (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEW dropped -65.55% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, DEW or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.09% vs 9.68% for DEW. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, DEW 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, DEW or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.09% return vs 9.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEW or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DEW.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 3.19% for DEW.

What is the main difference between DEW and FDL?

DEW tracks WisdomTree Global High Dividend Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DEW and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.91), 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.