MAYM vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MAYM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MAYM is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. MAYM is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, MAYM returned 5.35% vs 22.39% for FDL. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MAYM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MAYM vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) 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, MAYM achieves a 1.91% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

MAYM

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 5.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

MAYM vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MAYM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May	1.91%	4.14%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	8.97%

Correlation

The correlation between MAYM and FDL is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2025	0.21

Return for Risk

MAYM vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAYM

MAYM Risk / Return Rank: 92
MAYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
MAYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
MAYM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MAYM Martin Ratio Rank: 95

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 69
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

MAYM vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) 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.

	MAYM	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	1.95	+0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.19	2.96	+1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	1.34	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.41	5.26	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.32	12.40	+13.92

MAYM vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is higher than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAYM 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

MAYM vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAYM drawdown since its inception was -1.22%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAYM and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAYM	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.22%	-65.93%	+64.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.22%	-4.27%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.24%	—
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	-0.62%	-3.09%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.09%	-9.64%	+9.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	1.81%	-1.61%

Volatility

MAYM vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) is 0.96%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that MAYM 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

	MAYM	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	3.72%	-2.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	8.09%	-6.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	11.54%	-9.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	14.31%	-12.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.02%	17.11%	-15.09%

MAYM vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAYM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAYM vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MAYM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.70%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
MAYM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAYM and FDL in my portfolio?

MAYM and FDL have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAYM or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to MAYM (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAYM dropped -1.22% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, MAYM or FDL?

On 1-year performance, FDL leads with 22.39% vs 5.35% for MAYM. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, MAYM has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAYM or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, FDL has performed better with a 22.39% return vs 5.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAYM or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MAYM.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.00% for MAYM.

What is the main difference between MAYM and FDL?

MAYM is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MAYM and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 vs 1.95), 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.