EMLP vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMLP (First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - EMLP is a MLPs fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. EMLP is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EMLP returned 10.26%/yr vs 11.12%/yr for FDL. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMLP charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

EMLP vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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, EMLP achieves a 16.16% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 12.67% return. Over the past 10 years, EMLP has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 10.26%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.12% annualized return.

EMLP

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: -1.97%
• YTD: 16.16%
• 6M: 16.10%
• 1Y: 20.59%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 15.94%
• 10Y*: 10.26%

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)

EMLP vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	16.16%	9.67%	33.39%	8.05%	10.39%	23.20%	-13.36%	23.40%	-8.70%	1.07%
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 EMLP and FDL is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2012	0.70

The correlation between EMLP and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.72 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EMLP vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMLP	FDL
Utilities	54.0%	6.5%
Energy	27.0%	25.7%
Industrials	7.9%	3.9%
Basic Materials	1.6%	0.3%
Communication Services	-	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	14.4%
Financial Services	-	15.2%
Healthcare	-	17.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

EMLP vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMLP

EMLP Risk / Return Rank: 70
EMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
EMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
EMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
EMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

EMLP vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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.

	EMLP	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.95	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	2.96	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	5.26	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.19	12.40	-0.21

EMLP vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMLP Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMLP 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

EMLP vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMLP drawdown since its inception was -43.61%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMLP and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMLP	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.61%	-65.93%	+22.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.94%	-4.27%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.47%	-12.24%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.59%	-16.46%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.61%	-41.40%	-2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.33%	-3.09%	+0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.75%	-9.64%	+3.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	1.81%	-0.12%

Volatility

EMLP vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 3.65% 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

	EMLP	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	3.72%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.96%	8.09%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.97%	11.54%	-1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	14.31%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	17.11%	+0.58%

EMLP vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMLP has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMLP vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

EMLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than FDL's 3.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	2.75%	3.18%	3.19%	3.92%	3.15%	3.29%	4.70%	3.71%	4.71%	3.80%	3.62%	4.63%
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 EMLP and FDL in my portfolio?

EMLP and FDL have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMLP or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to EMLP (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMLP dropped -43.61% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, EMLP or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.12% vs 10.26% for EMLP. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% 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, EMLP or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.12% return vs 10.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMLP or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for EMLP.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 2.75% for EMLP.

What is the main difference between EMLP and FDL?

EMLP is categorized as MLPs, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for EMLP and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.95), 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.