HIDV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HIDV (AB US High Dividend ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. HIDV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HIDV returned 22.30%/yr vs 19.57%/yr for FDL. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.45% expense ratio.

Performance

HIDV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) 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, HIDV achieves a 11.35% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.21% return.

HIDV

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 11.35%
• 6M: 12.26%
• 1Y: 29.26%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

HIDV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	11.35%	14.64%	26.01%	22.21%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.21%	14.79%	17.98%	10.14%

Correlation

The correlation between HIDV and FDL is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2023	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between HIDV and FDL has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

HIDV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIDV

HIDV Risk / Return Rank: 74
HIDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
HIDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
HIDV Omega Ratio Rank: 77
HIDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
HIDV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

HIDV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) 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.

	HIDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.27	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	3.49	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.40	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	5.99	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.38	14.59	-1.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HIDV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIDV 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

	HIDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	2.27	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.63	0.45	+1.18

Drawdowns

HIDV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIDV drawdown since its inception was -18.76%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIDV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIDV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.76%	-65.93%	+47.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.57%	-4.27%	-5.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-12.24%	-6.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-1.41%	+0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-9.66%	+7.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	1.75%	+0.44%

Volatility

HIDV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 2.88% and 2.95%, 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

	HIDV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.88%	2.95%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.03%	7.85%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.90%	11.30%	+0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.51%	14.31%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.51%	17.11%	-2.60%

HIDV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HIDV and FDL have an expense ratio of 0.45%.

Dividends

HIDV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

HIDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, 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%
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	2.26%	2.22%	2.29%	2.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIDV and FDL in my portfolio?

HIDV and FDL have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIDV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to HIDV (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIDV dropped -18.76% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, HIDV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, HIDV leads with 22.30% vs 19.57% for FDL. Both ETFs have the same 0.45% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HIDV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, HIDV has performed better with a 22.30% return vs 19.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HIDV or FDL?

HIDV and FDL have the same expense ratio: 0.45% per year.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 2.26% for HIDV.

What is the main difference between HIDV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 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.