FTXH vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FTXH (First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals 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, FTXH returned 8.33%/yr vs 12.69%/yr for FDL. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXH charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FTXH vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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, FTXH achieves a 7.62% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.21% return.

FTXH

• 1D: 2.50%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 7.62%
• 6M: 9.20%
• 1Y: 39.54%
• 3Y*: 12.33%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

FTXH vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	7.62%	24.15%	2.98%	-1.41%	2.55%	6.14%	11.73%	22.13%	-9.51%	19.44%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.21%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXH and FDL is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.51

The correlation between FTXH and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.61 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXH vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXH	FDL
Healthcare	100.0%	16.8%
Basic Materials	-	0.3%
Communication Services	-	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	14.7%
Energy	-	27.3%
Financial Services	-	15.1%
Industrials	-	3.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	6.5%

Return for Risk

FTXH vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXH

FTXH Risk / Return Rank: 77
FTXH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FTXH Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
FTXH Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTXH Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTXH Martin Ratio Rank: 80

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 77
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

FTXH vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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.

	FTXH	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.27	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	3.49	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.40	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.32	5.99	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.35	14.59	+0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXH vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXH Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXH 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXH	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.27	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.89	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.45	-0.06

Drawdowns

FTXH vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXH drawdown since its inception was -32.11%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXH and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXH	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.11%	-65.93%	+33.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-4.27%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.51%	-12.24%	-7.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.51%	-16.46%	-3.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-1.41%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-9.66%	+3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	1.75%	+0.83%

Volatility

FTXH vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) has a higher volatility of 5.38% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 2.95%. This indicates that FTXH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXH	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	2.95%	+2.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.96%	7.85%	+4.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.14%	11.30%	+5.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.34%	14.31%	+2.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.43%	17.11%	+1.32%

FTXH vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXH has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXH vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FTXH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than FDL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.65%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	1.19%	1.41%	1.66%	1.55%	1.11%	1.03%	0.82%	0.67%	0.91%	2.18%	0.19%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXH and FDL in my portfolio?

FTXH and FDL have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXH or FDL?

FTXH has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to FDL (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXH dropped -32.11% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, FTXH or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 12.69% vs 8.33% for FTXH. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXH or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 12.69% return vs 8.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXH or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXH.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.19% for FTXH.

What is the main difference between FTXH and FDL?

FTXH is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FTXH tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXH and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 2.27), 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.