MDIV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MDIV is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the NASDAQ US Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MDIV returned 4.66%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for FDL. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MDIV charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MDIV vs. FDL - 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 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, MDIV achieves a 7.68% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, MDIV has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 4.66%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.

MDIV

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.38%
• 1Y: 11.03%
• 3Y*: 11.41%
• 5Y*: 5.65%
• 10Y*: 4.66%

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

MDIV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	7.68%	3.77%	10.05%	11.50%	-3.86%	16.51%	-14.84%	18.59%	-5.78%	5.61%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIV and FDL is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2012	0.75

The correlation between MDIV and FDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDIV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDIV	FDL
Financial Services	22.4%	15.1%
Real Estate	21.6%	-
Energy	17.6%	27.3%
Utilities	9.6%	6.5%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	14.7%
Communication Services	3.2%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.2%	3.8%
Healthcare	1.6%	16.8%
Industrials	1.6%	3.8%
Basic Materials	0.7%	0.3%
Technology	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

MDIV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDIV

MDIV Risk / Return Rank: 52
MDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
MDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 53

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. FDL - 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 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.

	MDIV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.11	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	3.25	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.37	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	5.56	-2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	13.56	-4.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDIV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDIV 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

	MDIV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.65	2.11	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	0.88	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31	0.66	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.45	-0.11

Drawdowns

MDIV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIV drawdown since its inception was -48.50%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.50%	-65.93%	+17.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.39%	-4.27%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.62%	-12.24%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.02%	-16.46%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.50%	-41.40%	-7.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-2.18%	+1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-9.66%	+5.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	1.75%	-0.53%

Volatility

MDIV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) is 1.62%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that MDIV 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

	MDIV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.62%	2.85%	-1.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.32%	7.87%	-3.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.71%	11.28%	-4.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.93%	14.31%	-3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.23%	17.11%	-1.88%

MDIV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIV has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.39%, more than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	6.39%	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 FDL in my portfolio?

MDIV 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, MDIV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to MDIV (1.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDIV dropped -48.50% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, MDIV or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.24% vs 4.66% for MDIV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MDIV has been the lower-risk option at 1.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDIV or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDIV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for MDIV.

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

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.39%, compared with 3.68% for FDL.

What is the main difference between MDIV and FDL?

MDIV is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. MDIV tracks NASDAQ US Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for MDIV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.65), 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.