HUSV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HUSV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - HUSV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. HUSV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HUSV returned 5.52%/yr vs 12.51%/yr for FDL. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HUSV charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

HUSV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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, HUSV achieves a 0.86% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

HUSV

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 6M: 0.60%
• 1Y: -1.99%
• 3Y*: 8.18%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: —

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)

HUSV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	0.86%	4.96%	12.64%	3.51%	-6.31%	26.04%	5.39%	26.98%	-1.92%	16.07%
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 HUSV and FDL is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2016	0.71

The correlation between HUSV and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.72 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HUSV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HUSV	FDL
Technology	23.0%	1.1%
Financial Services	15.3%	15.1%
Utilities	12.3%	6.5%
Industrials	11.1%	3.8%
Real Estate	9.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	3.8%
Healthcare	7.4%	16.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	14.7%
Basic Materials	3.0%	0.3%
Energy	2.5%	27.3%
Communication Services	1.4%	10.6%

Return for Risk

HUSV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

HUSV

HUSV Risk / Return Rank: 6
HUSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
HUSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
HUSV Omega Ratio Rank: 6
HUSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
HUSV Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

HUSV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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.

	HUSV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.22	2.11	-2.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.25	3.25	-3.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.37	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.29	5.56	-5.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.71	13.56	-14.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HUSV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HUSV Sharpe Ratio is -0.22, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HUSV 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

	HUSV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.22	2.11	-2.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.88	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.45	+0.14

Drawdowns

HUSV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HUSV drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HUSV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	HUSV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-65.93%	+30.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.78%	-4.27%	-2.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.35%	-12.24%	+2.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.00%	-16.46%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.95%	-2.18%	-1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-9.66%	+6.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	1.75%	+1.05%

Volatility

HUSV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is 2.36%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that HUSV 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

	HUSV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.36%	2.85%	-0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.30%	7.87%	-1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.07%	11.28%	-2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.02%	14.31%	-2.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.49%	17.11%	-2.62%

HUSV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

HUSV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

HUSV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

HUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, 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%
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.37%	1.38%	1.14%	1.80%	1.68%	1.35%	1.29%	1.36%	1.48%	1.31%	0.35%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HUSV and FDL in my portfolio?

HUSV and FDL have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HUSV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to HUSV (2.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HUSV dropped -35.72% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, HUSV or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 12.51% vs 5.52% for HUSV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, HUSV has been the lower-risk option at 2.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HUSV or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 12.51% return vs 5.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HUSV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for HUSV.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 1.37% for HUSV.

What is the main difference between HUSV and FDL?

HUSV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HUSV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs -0.22), 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.