FVD vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FVD (First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FVD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Value Line Dividend Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FVD returned 8.30%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FVD charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FVD vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) 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, FVD achieves a 2.21% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, FVD has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 8.30%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.

FVD

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 6M: 2.80%
• 1Y: 6.84%
• 3Y*: 8.25%
• 5Y*: 5.20%
• 10Y*: 8.30%

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

FVD vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	2.21%	8.16%	10.04%	4.11%	-5.18%	25.08%	-0.02%	26.58%	-3.49%	12.51%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between FVD and FDL is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2006	0.86

The correlation between FVD and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FVD vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FVD	FDL
Financial Services	19.1%	15.1%
Utilities	18.4%	6.5%
Industrials	14.2%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	11.6%	14.7%
Real Estate	8.1%	-
Healthcare	7.8%	16.8%
Technology	6.1%	1.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	3.8%
Energy	4.0%	27.3%
Communication Services	3.0%	10.6%
Basic Materials	2.1%	0.3%

Return for Risk

FVD vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FVD

FVD Risk / Return Rank: 21
FVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FVD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FVD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FVD Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FVD Martin Ratio Rank: 21

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

FVD vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) 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.

	FVD	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.72	2.11	-1.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	3.25	-2.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.37	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.95	5.56	-4.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	13.56	-10.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FVD vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FVD Sharpe Ratio is 0.72, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FVD 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

	FVD	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72	2.11	-1.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.88	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.66	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.45	+0.13

Drawdowns

FVD vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FVD drawdown since its inception was -51.00%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FVD and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FVD	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.00%	-65.93%	+14.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.23%	-4.27%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.97%	-12.24%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.41%	-16.46%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.25%	-41.40%	+6.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.96%	-2.18%	-3.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.44%	-9.66%	+4.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	1.75%	+0.91%

Volatility

FVD vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) is 2.62%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that FVD 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

	FVD	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.62%	2.85%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.73%	7.87%	-1.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.50%	11.28%	-1.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.76%	14.31%	-1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.44%	17.11%	-1.67%

FVD vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FVD has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FVD vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FVD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	2.31%	2.36%	2.23%	2.34%	2.20%	1.75%	2.31%	2.03%	2.50%	2.10%	2.04%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FVD and FDL in my portfolio?

FVD and FDL have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FVD or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to FVD (2.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FVD dropped -51.00% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, FVD or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.24% vs 8.30% for FVD. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FVD has been the lower-risk option at 2.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FVD or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 8.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FVD or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FVD.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 2.31% for FVD.

What is the main difference between FVD and FDL?

FVD is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FVD tracks Value Line Dividend Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FVD and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.72), 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.