FID vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FID (First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FID is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FID returned 7.59%/yr vs 13.08%/yr for FDL. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FID charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FID vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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, FID achieves a 5.57% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

FID

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: -2.23%
• YTD: 5.57%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 18.04%
• 3Y*: 17.19%
• 5Y*: 7.59%
• 10Y*: —

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)

FID vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	5.57%	32.07%	5.42%	9.92%	-9.69%	12.90%	-7.56%	20.82%	-7.38%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-6.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FID and FDL is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2018	0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between FID and FDL has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FID vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FID	FDL
Financial Services	20.4%	15.2%
Utilities	16.3%	6.5%
Industrials	13.6%	3.9%
Communication Services	11.3%	10.6%
Real Estate	9.1%	-
Energy	7.9%	25.7%
Technology	6.3%	1.4%
Basic Materials	4.4%	0.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	14.4%
Healthcare	3.4%	17.6%

Return for Risk

FID vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FID

FID Risk / Return Rank: 50
FID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FID Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FID Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FID Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FID Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

FID vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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.

	FID	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.95	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.96	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	5.26	-3.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.97	12.40	-5.42

FID vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FID Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FID 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

FID vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FID drawdown since its inception was -39.79%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FID and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FID	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.79%	-65.93%	+26.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-4.27%	-4.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.97%	-12.24%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.13%	-16.46%	-12.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.84%	-3.09%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-9.64%	+1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	1.81%	+0.78%

Volatility

FID vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) is 3.41%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that FID experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FID	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	3.72%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.58%	8.09%	+0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.33%	11.54%	-1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.05%	14.31%	+2.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	17.11%	+1.81%

FID vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FID has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

FID vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.14%, more than FDL's 3.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	4.14%	4.30%	4.31%	4.19%	4.22%	3.76%	3.91%	3.70%	1.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FID and FDL in my portfolio?

FID and FDL have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FID or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to FID (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FID dropped -39.79% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, FID or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 13.08% vs 7.59% for FID. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FID has been the lower-risk option at 3.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FID or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 13.08% return vs 7.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FID or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FID.

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

FID has the higher dividend yield at 4.14%, compared with 3.70% for FDL.

What is the main difference between FID and FDL?

FID is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FID tracks S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FID and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.76), 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.