MDIV vs. USAF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) and USAF (Atlas America Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. MDIV is passively managed, while USAF is actively managed. Over the past year, MDIV returned 11.03% vs 6.07% for USAF. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MDIV charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for USAF.

Performance

MDIV vs. USAF - 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 Atlas America Fund (USAF). 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 higher than USAF's 2.08% 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%

USAF

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.68%
• YTD: 2.08%
• 6M: 2.69%
• 1Y: 6.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDIV vs. USAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	7.68%	3.77%	-1.84%
USAF Atlas America Fund	2.08%	9.09%	0.23%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIV and USAF is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.29

Return for Risk

MDIV vs. USAF — 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

USAF

USAF Risk / Return Rank: 27
USAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
USAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
USAF Omega Ratio Rank: 29
USAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
USAF Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. USAF - 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 Atlas America Fund (USAF). 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	USAF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.02	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.36	+1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	1.37	+1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	3.27	+5.83
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. USAF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is higher than the USAF Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDIV and USAF, 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	USAF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.65	1.02	+0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	1.32	-0.98

Drawdowns

MDIV vs. USAF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIV drawdown since its inception was -48.50%, which is greater than USAF's maximum drawdown of -4.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIV and USAF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIV	USAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.50%	-4.46%	-44.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.39%	-4.46%	+1.07%
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	-1.14%	-3.41%	+2.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-1.09%	-3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	1.86%	-0.64%

Volatility

MDIV vs. USAF - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) has a higher volatility of 1.62% compared to Atlas America Fund (USAF) at 1.08%. This indicates that MDIV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USAF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDIV	USAF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.62%	1.08%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.32%	4.74%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.71%	6.00%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.93%	5.69%	+5.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.23%	5.69%	+9.54%

MDIV vs. USAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIV has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is lower than USAF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIV vs. USAF - Dividend Comparison

MDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.39%, more than USAF's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
USAF Atlas America Fund	2.45%	2.50%	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 USAF in my portfolio?

MDIV and USAF have a correlation of 0.29, 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 USAF?

MDIV has higher volatility (1.62%) compared to USAF (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDIV dropped -48.50% vs USAF's -4.46%.

Which ETF is better, MDIV or USAF?

On 1-year performance, MDIV leads with 11.03% vs 6.07% for USAF. On fees, MDIV is cheaper at 0.73% per year. On volatility, USAF has been the lower-risk option at 1.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDIV or USAF?

Over the 1-year period, MDIV has performed better with a 11.03% return vs 6.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDIV or USAF?

MDIV is cheaper with a 0.73% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for USAF.

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

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.39%, compared with 2.45% for USAF.

What is the main difference between MDIV and USAF?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Atlas. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for MDIV and 0.89% for USAF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 1.02), 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.