FDL vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDL returned 10.99%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDL charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

FDL vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FDL having a 11.33% return and VYM slightly higher at 11.70%. Over the past 10 years, FDL has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 10.99%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 12.00% annualized return.

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%

VYM

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 11.70%
• 6M: 11.13%
• 1Y: 25.24%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 12.10%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

FDL vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	11.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.70%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FDL and VYM is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.89

Over the past year, the correlation between FDL and VYM has dropped to 0.63 - well below their long-term average of 0.89, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FDL vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDL	VYM
Energy	25.7%	9.1%
Healthcare	17.6%	12.2%
Financial Services	15.2%	19.9%
Consumer Defensive	14.4%	8.0%
Communication Services	10.6%	3.4%
Utilities	6.5%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	6.6%
Industrials	3.9%	11.8%
Technology	1.4%	20.3%
Basic Materials	0.3%	3.4%
Real Estate	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

FDL vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 78
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

FDL vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.

	FDL	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	2.44	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.48	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.44	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.94	3.79	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.71	14.09	-2.39

FDL vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDL Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDL and VYM, 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

FDL vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDL drawdown since its inception was -65.93%, which is greater than VYM's maximum drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDL and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDL	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.93%	-56.98%	-8.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.27%	-6.69%	+2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.24%	-14.46%	+2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.46%	-15.84%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.40%	-35.21%	-6.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.24%	-1.12%	-3.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.64%	-7.18%	-2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	1.80%	0.00%

Volatility

FDL vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a higher volatility of 3.52% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.02%. This indicates that FDL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDL	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	3.02%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.03%	7.64%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.51%	10.41%	+1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.30%	13.93%	+0.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	16.35%	+0.78%

FDL vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDL has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDL vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.74%, more than VYM's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.29%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDL and VYM in my portfolio?

FDL and VYM have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDL or VYM?

FDL has higher volatility (3.52%) compared to VYM (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDL dropped -65.93% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, FDL or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 12.00% vs 10.99% for FDL. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 3.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDL or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 12.00% return vs 10.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDL or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.74%, compared with 2.29% for VYM.

What is the main difference between FDL and VYM?

FDL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VYM is Dividend. FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for FDL and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.84), 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.