DFVX vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DFVX (Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. DFVX is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, DFVX returned 26.10% vs 24.43% for FDL. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFVX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

DFVX vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF (DFVX) 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, DFVX achieves a 11.47% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.62% return.

DFVX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 3.03%
• YTD: 11.47%
• 6M: 12.46%
• 1Y: 26.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 13.62%
• 6M: 16.42%
• 1Y: 24.43%
• 3Y*: 19.07%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

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

DFVX vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFVX Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF	11.47%	15.35%	17.72%	9.85%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.62%	14.79%	17.98%	9.94%

Correlation

The correlation between DFVX and FDL is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2023	0.57

The correlation between DFVX and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFVX vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFVX	FDL
Technology	19.8%	1.1%
Communication Services	14.3%	10.6%
Industrials	14.2%	3.8%
Financial Services	11.9%	15.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	3.8%
Healthcare	10.0%	16.8%
Energy	7.4%	27.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	14.7%
Basic Materials	3.2%	0.3%
Utilities	0.4%	6.5%
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

DFVX vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFVX

DFVX Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 73
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

DFVX vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF (DFVX) 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.

	DFVX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	2.18	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	3.35	+0.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.38	+0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	5.74	-2.04
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.19	14.05	+2.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFVX vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFVX 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

	DFVX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.43	2.18	+0.26
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	1.61	0.45	+1.16

Drawdowns

DFVX vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFVX drawdown since its inception was -16.71%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFVX and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFVX	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.71%	-65.93%	+49.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.17%	-4.27%	-2.90%
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	-0.08%	-1.92%	+1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-9.66%	+7.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.64%	1.75%	-0.11%

Volatility

DFVX vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF (DFVX) is 2.49%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.95%. This indicates that DFVX 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

	DFVX	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.49%	2.95%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.04%	7.87%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.77%	11.27%	-0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.67%	14.31%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.67%	17.11%	-3.44%

DFVX vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFVX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFVX vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

DFVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than FDL's 3.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFVX Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF	1.17%	1.21%	1.22%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.67%	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 DFVX and FDL in my portfolio?

DFVX and FDL have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFVX or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to DFVX (2.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFVX dropped -16.71% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, DFVX or FDL?

On 1-year performance, DFVX leads with 26.10% vs 24.43% for FDL. On fees, DFVX is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFVX has been the lower-risk option at 2.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFVX or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, DFVX has performed better with a 26.10% return vs 24.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFVX or FDL?

DFVX is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.67%, compared with 1.17% for DFVX.

What is the main difference between DFVX and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFVX and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.18), 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.