MDIV vs. SPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) and SPLS (PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. MDIV is passively managed, while SPLS is actively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MDIV charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for SPLS.

Performance

MDIV vs. SPLS - 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 PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

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%

SPLS

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDIV vs. SPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	4.85%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	8.34%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIV and SPLS is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2026	0.39

Return for Risk

MDIV vs. SPLS — 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

SPLS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. SPLS - 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 PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). 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	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	—	—

Drawdowns

MDIV vs. SPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIV drawdown since its inception was -48.50%, which is greater than SPLS's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIV and SPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIV	SPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.50%	-9.24%	-39.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.39%	—	—
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%	-1.60%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.57%	-1.86%	-2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MDIV	SPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.47%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.79%	15.51%	-8.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.93%	15.51%	-4.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.23%	15.51%	-0.28%

MDIV vs. SPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIV has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than SPLS's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIV vs. SPLS - Dividend Comparison

MDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.40%, more than SPLS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	0.22%	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 MDIV and SPLS in my portfolio?

MDIV and SPLS have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MDIV or SPLS?

On fees, SPLS is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDIV or SPLS?

SPLS is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for MDIV.

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

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.40%, compared with 0.22% for SPLS.

What is the main difference between MDIV and SPLS?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for MDIV and 0.18% for SPLS.