FXH vs. FDL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

FXH (First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FXH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Health Care 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, FXH returned 7.76%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for FDL. Their 0.58 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FXH charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FXH vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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, FXH achieves a 12.75% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 18.62% return. Over the past 10 years, FXH has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 7.76%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.08% annualized return.

FXH

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 1.42%
• 6M: 11.87%
• YTD: 12.75%
• 1Y: 30.98%
• 3Y*: 7.54%
• 5Y*: 1.03%
• 10Y*: 7.76%
• ALL TIME*: 10.27%

FDL

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.67%
• 6M: 9.83%
• YTD: 18.62%
• 1Y: 28.15%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 11.08%
• ALL TIME*: 8.96%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	$51.38M	$49.50M	$43.21M
FXH First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund	$8.23M	$7.53M	$5.49M

FXH vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXH First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund	12.75%	10.16%	0.96%	-4.53%	-12.24%	15.20%	28.00%	22.26%	-1.33%	21.82%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	18.62%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between FXH and FDL is 0.44, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.58

The correlation between FXH and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.61 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FXH vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXH	FDL
Healthcare	97.3%	11.7%
Technology	1.4%	4.3%
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	24.3%
Energy	-	11.1%
Financial Services	-	13.7%
Industrials	-	3.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	15.4%

Return for Risk

FXH vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FXH

FXH Risk / Return Rank: 74
FXH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FXH Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FXH Omega Ratio Rank: 75
FXH Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FXH Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 92
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FXH vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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.

	FXH	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.38	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.58	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.42	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	6.62	-4.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.98	15.62	-7.64

FXH vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXH Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXH 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

FXH vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXH drawdown since its inception was -43.70%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXH and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXH	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.70%	-65.93%	+22.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.20%	-4.27%	-7.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.53%	-12.24%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.49%	-16.46%	-13.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.61%	-41.40%	+10.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-1.58%	+1.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-9.59%	+0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.89%	1.81%	+2.08%

Volatility

FXH vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 4.86% and 4.65%, 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

	FXH	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	4.65%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.08%	8.75%	+3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.25%	11.89%	+4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	14.44%	+2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.51%	17.16%	+1.35%

FXH vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXH has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXH vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FXH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than FDL's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.58%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
FXH First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund	0.80%	0.75%	0.41%	0.24%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXH and FDL in my portfolio?

FXH and FDL have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXH or FDL?

FXH has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to FDL (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXH dropped -43.70% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, FXH or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.08% vs 7.76% for FXH. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXH or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 7.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXH or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FXH.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 0.80% for FXH.

What is the main difference between FXH and FDL?

FXH is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FXH tracks StrataQuant Health Care Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FXH and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.92), 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.