DHS vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DHS (WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - DHS tracks the WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DHS returned 9.47%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DHS charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

DHS vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund (DHS) 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, DHS achieves a 9.88% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, DHS has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 9.47%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.

DHS

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 9.88%
• 6M: 10.38%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

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)

DHS vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DHS WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund	9.88%	12.87%	18.02%	-0.19%	7.97%	23.20%	-5.70%	22.59%	-7.41%	11.69%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DHS and FDL is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2006	0.93

The correlation between DHS and FDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

DHS vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DHS	FDL
Financial Services	22.3%	15.1%
Consumer Defensive	18.7%	14.7%
Healthcare	14.5%	16.8%
Energy	9.4%	27.3%
Communication Services	9.3%	10.6%
Utilities	9.0%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	3.8%
Industrials	4.1%	3.8%
Technology	3.7%	1.1%
Real Estate	2.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	0.3%

Return for Risk

DHS vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DHS

DHS Risk / Return Rank: 62
DHS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DHS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DHS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DHS Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DHS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DHS vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DHS	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.11	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.25	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	5.56	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.04	13.56	-1.52
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DHS vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DHS Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DHS 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

	DHS	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	2.11	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.88	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.66	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.45	-0.05

Drawdowns

DHS vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DHS drawdown since its inception was -67.25%, roughly equal to the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DHS and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DHS	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.25%	-65.93%	-1.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.30%	-4.27%	-2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.87%	-12.24%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.28%	-16.46%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.35%	-41.40%	+4.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.60%	-2.18%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.55%	-9.66%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.71%	1.75%	-0.04%

Volatility

DHS vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund (DHS) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 2.88% and 2.85%, 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

	DHS	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.88%	2.85%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.32%	7.87%	-0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.01%	11.28%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.89%	14.31%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.08%	17.11%	-1.03%

DHS vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DHS has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DHS vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

DHS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DHS WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund	3.35%	3.32%	3.66%	4.31%	3.42%	3.29%	4.14%	3.69%	3.76%	3.00%	3.25%	3.53%
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 DHS and FDL in my portfolio?

DHS and FDL have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DHS or FDL?

DHS has higher volatility (2.88%) compared to FDL (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DHS dropped -67.25% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, DHS or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.24% vs 9.47% for DHS. On fees, DHS is cheaper at 0.38% 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, DHS or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 9.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DHS or FDL?

DHS is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 3.35% for DHS.

What is the main difference between DHS and FDL?

DHS tracks WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DHS and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 2.06), 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.