KNG vs. FDL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KNG returned 5.81%/yr vs 14.10%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. KNG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

KNG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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, KNG achieves a 9.32% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 18.62% return.

KNG

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -0.24%
• 6M: 3.81%
• YTD: 9.32%
• 1Y: 13.86%
• 3Y*: 7.54%
• 5Y*: 5.81%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.03%

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
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	$18.79M	$15.77M	$14.65M

KNG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	9.32%	6.63%	5.99%	7.48%	-7.03%	24.78%	7.21%	26.64%	-1.56%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	18.62%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between KNG and FDL is 0.71, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2018	0.82

The correlation between KNG and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.82 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KNG vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNG	FDL
Consumer Defensive	23.4%	24.3%
Industrials	20.8%	3.6%
Financial Services	13.0%	13.7%
Healthcare	10.8%	11.7%
Basic Materials	9.8%	0.4%
Utilities	5.6%	15.4%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	4.4%
Technology	4.4%	4.3%
Real Estate	4.2%	-
Energy	2.5%	11.1%
Communication Services	-	11.2%

Return for Risk

KNG vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 47
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 47
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

KNG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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.

	KNG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	2.38	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	3.58	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.42	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	6.62	-5.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.05	15.62	-11.56

KNG vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNG Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNG 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

KNG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNG drawdown since its inception was -35.12%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.12%	-65.93%	+30.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.61%	-4.27%	-4.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.24%	-12.24%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.20%	-16.46%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-1.58%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.09%	-9.59%	+5.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	1.81%	+1.62%

Volatility

KNG vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) is 4.32%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 4.65%. This indicates that KNG 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

	KNG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	4.65%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.36%	8.75%	-0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.88%	11.89%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.65%	14.44%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	17.16%	-0.04%

KNG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

KNG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.22%, more 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%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.22%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNG and FDL in my portfolio?

KNG and FDL have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNG or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to KNG (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNG dropped -35.12% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, KNG or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 14.10% vs 5.81% for KNG. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNG or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 14.10% return vs 5.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNG or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KNG.

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

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.22%, compared with 3.58% for FDL.

What is the main difference between KNG and FDL?

KNG is categorized as Dividend, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. KNG tracks Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for KNG and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.28), 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.