JHDV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

JHDV (John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. JHDV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, JHDV returned 22.66%/yr vs 19.07%/yr for FDL. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHDV charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

JHDV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF (JHDV) 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, JHDV achieves a 20.00% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 13.62% return.

JHDV

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 7.92%
• YTD: 20.00%
• 6M: 20.97%
• 1Y: 36.17%
• 3Y*: 22.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 13.62%
• 6M: 16.42%
• 1Y: 24.43%
• 3Y*: 19.07%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

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

JHDV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
JHDV John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF	20.00%	14.76%	20.25%	15.99%	6.99%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.62%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	11.37%

Correlation

The correlation between JHDV and FDL is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2022	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between JHDV and FDL has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

JHDV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHDV

JHDV Risk / Return Rank: 87
JHDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
JHDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
JHDV Omega Ratio Rank: 87
JHDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
JHDV Martin Ratio Rank: 86

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 73
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

JHDV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF (JHDV) 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.

	JHDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	2.18	+0.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.18	3.35	+0.83
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.38	+0.17
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.43	5.74	-1.31
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	18.62	14.05	+4.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JHDV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHDV Sharpe Ratio is 3.10, which is higher than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHDV 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

	JHDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.10	2.18	+0.93
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	1.39	0.45	+0.94

Drawdowns

JHDV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHDV drawdown since its inception was -18.97%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHDV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHDV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.97%	-65.93%	+46.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.26%	-4.27%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.97%	-12.24%	-6.73%
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	0.00%	-1.92%	+1.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-9.66%	+7.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	1.75%	+0.22%

Volatility

JHDV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF (JHDV) has a higher volatility of 3.12% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 2.95%. This indicates that JHDV'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

	JHDV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.12%	2.95%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.89%	7.87%	+1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.71%	11.27%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.69%	14.31%	+1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.69%	17.11%	-1.42%

JHDV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHDV has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHDV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

JHDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.97%, less than FDL's 3.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.67%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
JHDV John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF	1.97%	2.40%	2.50%	2.77%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHDV and FDL in my portfolio?

JHDV and FDL have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHDV or FDL?

JHDV has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to FDL (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHDV dropped -18.97% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, JHDV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, JHDV leads with 22.66% vs 19.07% for FDL. On fees, JHDV is cheaper at 0.34% 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, JHDV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, JHDV has performed better with a 22.66% return vs 19.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHDV or FDL?

JHDV is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.67%, compared with 1.97% for JHDV.

What is the main difference between JHDV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for JHDV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 2.18), 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.