DVGR vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DVGR (DAC 3D Dividend Growth ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. DVGR is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DVGR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

DVGR vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DAC 3D Dividend Growth ETF (DVGR) 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, DVGR achieves a 8.13% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

DVGR

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 8.13%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

DVGR vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVGR DAC 3D Dividend Growth ETF	8.13%	-0.65%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DVGR and FDL is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2025	0.19

Return for Risk

DVGR vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

DVGR vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DAC 3D Dividend Growth ETF (DVGR) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DVGR	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.20	0.45	+0.74

Drawdowns

DVGR vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVGR drawdown since its inception was -8.19%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVGR and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVGR	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.19%	-65.93%	+57.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.27%	—
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	-0.65%	-2.18%	+1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.82%	-9.66%	+7.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVGR	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.87%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.39%	11.28%	+2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.39%	14.31%	-0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.39%	17.11%	-3.72%

DVGR vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVGR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVGR vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

DVGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVGR DAC 3D Dividend Growth ETF	0.49%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	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 DVGR and FDL in my portfolio?

DVGR and FDL have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DVGR or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVGR or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DVGR.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 0.49% for DVGR.

What is the main difference between DVGR and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Dividend Assets Capital and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for DVGR and 0.45% for FDL.