MBOX vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MBOX (Freedom Day Dividend ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MBOX is a Dividend fund actively managed by EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. MBOX is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MBOX returned 12.11%/yr vs 13.08%/yr for FDL. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBOX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MBOX vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) 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, MBOX achieves a 15.12% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 12.67% return.

MBOX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 15.12%
• 6M: 14.04%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.07%
• 5Y*: 12.11%
• 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)

MBOX vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	15.12%	8.72%	16.39%	15.84%	-4.32%	10.13%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	7.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MBOX and FDL is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2021	0.78

The correlation between MBOX and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MBOX vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MBOX	FDL
Financial Services	25.2%	15.2%
Technology	24.6%	1.4%
Energy	13.3%	25.7%
Healthcare	10.5%	17.6%
Industrials	7.8%	3.9%
Real Estate	4.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	14.4%
Communication Services	3.6%	10.6%
Basic Materials	3.4%	0.3%
Utilities	2.1%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	4.7%

Return for Risk

MBOX vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBOX

MBOX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MBOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
MBOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
MBOX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
MBOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MBOX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

MBOX vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) 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.

	MBOX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.95	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.96	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.34	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.89	5.26	-1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	12.40	+0.39

MBOX vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MBOX Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MBOX 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

MBOX vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBOX drawdown since its inception was -16.42%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBOX and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBOX	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.42%	-65.93%	+49.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.75%	-4.27%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.37%	-12.24%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.42%	-16.46%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.30%	-3.09%	+1.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.43%	-9.64%	+6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	1.81%	-0.07%

Volatility

MBOX vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) is 3.42%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that MBOX 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

	MBOX	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	3.72%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.95%	8.09%	-0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.91%	11.54%	-0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	14.31%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.43%	17.11%	-2.68%

MBOX vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBOX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBOX vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MBOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, less than FDL's 3.70% yield.

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%
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	1.90%	1.94%	1.60%	2.13%	2.87%	1.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBOX and FDL in my portfolio?

MBOX and FDL have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MBOX or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to MBOX (3.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBOX dropped -16.42% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, MBOX or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 13.08% vs 12.11% for MBOX. On fees, MBOX is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, MBOX has been the lower-risk option at 3.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MBOX or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 13.08% return vs 12.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBOX or FDL?

MBOX is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 1.90% for MBOX.

What is the main difference between MBOX and FDL?

MBOX is categorized as Dividend, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MBOX and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MBOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 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.