DGRW vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DGRW (WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DGRW is a Dividend fund tracking the WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRW returned 14.14%/yr vs 11.12%/yr for FDL. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DGRW charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

DGRW vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) 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, DGRW achieves a 6.36% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return. Over the past 10 years, DGRW has outperformed FDL with an annualized return of 14.14%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively lower 11.12% annualized return.

DGRW

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -1.62%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 6M: 5.72%
• 1Y: 16.86%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 11.78%
• 10Y*: 14.14%

FDL

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

DGRW vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRW WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	6.36%	12.17%	16.98%	18.66%	-6.33%	24.46%	13.87%	29.54%	-5.38%	26.90%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRW and FDL is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2013	0.75

Over the past year, the correlation between DGRW and FDL has dropped to 0.38 - well below their long-term average of 0.75, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DGRW vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRW	FDL
Technology	32.1%	1.4%
Healthcare	12.8%	17.6%
Financial Services	11.3%	15.2%
Communication Services	10.1%	10.6%
Industrials	9.9%	3.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	14.4%
Energy	5.0%	25.7%
Basic Materials	3.3%	0.3%
Utilities	0.2%	6.5%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DGRW vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGRW

DGRW Risk / Return Rank: 48
DGRW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DGRW Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DGRW Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DGRW Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DGRW Martin Ratio Rank: 52

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 69
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

DGRW vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) 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.

	DGRW	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.95	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.96	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.34	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	5.26	-3.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.67	12.40	-3.73

DGRW vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRW Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRW 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

DGRW vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRW drawdown since its inception was -32.04%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRW and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRW	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.04%	-65.93%	+33.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-4.27%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.21%	-12.24%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.27%	-16.46%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.04%	-41.40%	+9.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.32%	-3.09%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-9.64%	+6.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	1.81%	+0.14%

Volatility

DGRW vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 3.75% and 3.72%, 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

	DGRW	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	3.72%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.26%	8.09%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.30%	11.54%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.01%	14.31%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	17.11%	-0.90%

DGRW vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRW has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGRW vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

DGRW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than FDL's 3.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRW WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	1.30%	1.43%	1.55%	1.74%	2.15%	1.78%	1.93%	2.20%	2.42%	1.71%	2.13%	2.18%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.70%	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 DGRW and FDL in my portfolio?

DGRW and FDL have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGRW or FDL?

DGRW has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to FDL (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRW dropped -32.04% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, DGRW or FDL?

On 10-year performance, DGRW leads with 14.14% vs 11.12% for FDL. On fees, DGRW is cheaper at 0.28% 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, DGRW or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, DGRW has performed better with a 14.14% return vs 11.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRW or FDL?

DGRW is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 1.30% for DGRW.

What is the main difference between DGRW and FDL?

DGRW is categorized as Dividend, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. DGRW tracks WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DGRW and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.65), 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.