MDIV vs. AVMA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) and AVMA (Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. MDIV is passively managed, while AVMA is actively managed. Over the past year, MDIV returned 10.55% vs 24.52% for AVMA. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MDIV charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for AVMA.

Performance

MDIV vs. AVMA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) and Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDIV achieves a 7.49% return, which is significantly lower than AVMA's 11.22% return.

MDIV

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.59%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: 11.96%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

AVMA

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 11.22%
• 6M: 10.95%
• 1Y: 24.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDIV vs. AVMA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	7.49%	3.77%	10.05%	12.61%
AVMA Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF	11.22%	16.72%	10.01%	8.36%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIV and AVMA 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2023	0.68

The correlation between MDIV and AVMA shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MDIV vs. AVMA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDIV

MDIV Risk / Return Rank: 51
MDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
MDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

AVMA

AVMA Risk / Return Rank: 83
AVMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
AVMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AVMA Omega Ratio Rank: 85
AVMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
AVMA Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

MDIV vs. AVMA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) and Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA). 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.

	MDIV	AVMA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.63	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	3.75	-1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.49	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	3.85	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	16.15	-7.50

MDIV vs. AVMA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the AVMA Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDIV and AVMA, 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

MDIV vs. AVMA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIV drawdown since its inception was -48.50%, which is greater than AVMA's maximum drawdown of -11.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIV and AVMA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIV	AVMA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.50%	-11.81%	-36.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.39%	-6.40%	+3.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.50%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-0.22%	-1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.57%	-1.54%	-3.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	1.52%	-0.30%

Volatility

MDIV vs. AVMA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) is 2.03%, while Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF (AVMA) has a volatility of 3.26%. This indicates that MDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVMA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDIV	AVMA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	3.26%	-1.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.47%	7.55%	-3.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.79%	9.37%	-2.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.93%	10.35%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.23%	10.35%	+4.88%

MDIV vs. AVMA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIV has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than AVMA's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIV vs. AVMA - Dividend Comparison

MDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.40%, more than AVMA's 3.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVMA Avantis Moderate Allocation ETF	3.00%	2.21%	2.28%	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	6.40%	6.51%	6.40%	6.08%	6.71%	5.30%	6.00%	5.90%	6.76%	6.04%	6.35%	7.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDIV and AVMA in my portfolio?

MDIV and AVMA 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, MDIV or AVMA?

AVMA has higher volatility (3.26%) compared to MDIV (2.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDIV dropped -48.50% vs AVMA's -11.81%.

Which ETF is better, MDIV or AVMA?

On 1-year performance, AVMA leads with 24.52% vs 10.55% for MDIV. On fees, AVMA is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, MDIV has been the lower-risk option at 2.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDIV or AVMA?

Over the 1-year period, AVMA has performed better with a 24.52% return vs 10.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDIV or AVMA?

AVMA is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for MDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MDIV or AVMA?

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.40%, compared with 3.00% for AVMA.

What is the main difference between MDIV and AVMA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for MDIV and 0.21% for AVMA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 1.56), 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.