EASY vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EASY (Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - EASY is a Dividend fund actively managed by Liberty One, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. EASY is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EASY charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

EASY vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF (EASY) 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, EASY achieves a 3.21% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 11.33% return.

EASY

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -2.22%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 3.00%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -3.91%
• YTD: 11.33%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 21.02%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: 12.95%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

EASY vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EASY Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF	3.21%	0.55%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	11.33%	4.23%

Correlation

The correlation between EASY and FDL is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2025	0.61

Return for Risk

EASY vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EASY

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

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 65
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EASY vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF (EASY) 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.

	EASY	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.84	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.80	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.32	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.94	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.71	—

Drawdowns

EASY vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EASY drawdown since its inception was -7.79%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EASY and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EASY	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.79%	-65.93%	+58.14%
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	-7.01%	-4.24%	-2.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.82%	-9.64%	+6.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.80%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EASY	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.38%	11.51%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.38%	14.30%	-3.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.38%	17.13%	-6.75%

EASY vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EASY has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

EASY vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

EASY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, less than FDL's 3.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EASY Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF	0.77%	0.13%	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	3.74%	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 EASY and FDL in my portfolio?

EASY and FDL have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EASY or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EASY or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for EASY.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.74%, compared with 0.77% for EASY.

What is the main difference between EASY and FDL?

EASY is categorized as Dividend, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Liberty One and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for EASY and 0.43% for FDL.