MDLV vs. DLN

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MDLV (Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. MDLV is actively managed, while DLN is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MDLV returned 12.76%/yr vs 18.04%/yr for DLN. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDLV charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

MDLV vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MDLV having a 9.96% return and DLN slightly higher at 10.07%.

MDLV

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: 9.96%
• 6M: 9.41%
• 1Y: 18.28%
• 3Y*: 12.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DLN

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 9.07%
• 1Y: 21.18%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: 12.41%
• 10Y*: 13.02%

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

MDLV vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	9.96%	13.30%	10.16%	-0.14%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	10.07%	15.53%	19.66%	9.02%

Correlation

The correlation between MDLV and DLN is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2023	0.81

The correlation between MDLV and DLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDLV vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDLV	DLN
Financial Services	14.9%	17.4%
Industrials	14.6%	7.8%
Utilities	14.6%	5.5%
Energy	14.1%	7.9%
Technology	10.0%	22.8%
Consumer Defensive	8.3%	8.9%
Healthcare	7.8%	12.6%
Communication Services	6.4%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	4.9%
Basic Materials	2.7%	1.0%
Real Estate	2.3%	3.9%

Return for Risk

MDLV vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDLV

MDLV Risk / Return Rank: 76
MDLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
MDLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
MDLV Omega Ratio Rank: 67
MDLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
MDLV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 83
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DLN 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.

MDLV vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). 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.

	MDLV	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.37	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.37	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.43	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	3.49	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.27	14.59	-1.32

MDLV vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDLV Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDLV and DLN, 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

MDLV vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDLV drawdown since its inception was -10.71%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDLV and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDLV	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.71%	-57.84%	+47.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.27%	-6.10%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.71%	-13.71%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.09%	-1.01%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-7.50%	+5.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.38%	1.45%	-0.07%

Volatility

MDLV vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) has a higher volatility of 2.99% compared to WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) at 2.71%. This indicates that MDLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDLV	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	2.71%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.78%	6.97%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.93%	9.00%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	13.26%	-2.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.52%	16.14%	-5.62%

MDLV vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDLV has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDLV vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

MDLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.81%, more than DLN's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	2.81%	3.00%	2.78%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDLV and DLN in my portfolio?

MDLV and DLN have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDLV or DLN?

MDLV has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to DLN (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDLV dropped -10.71% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, MDLV or DLN?

On 3-year performance, DLN leads with 18.04% vs 12.76% for MDLV. On fees, DLN is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDLV or DLN?

Over the 3-year period, DLN has performed better with a 18.04% return vs 12.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDLV or DLN?

DLN is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for MDLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MDLV or DLN?

MDLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.81%, compared with 1.79% for DLN.

What is the main difference between MDLV and DLN?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Dempsey and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for MDLV and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.06), 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.