MDLV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MDLV (Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. MDLV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MDLV returned 13.07%/yr vs 19.57%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDLV charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MDLV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) 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, MDLV achieves a 10.95% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.21% return.

MDLV

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 10.95%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 13.07%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

MDLV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	10.95%	13.30%	10.16%	0.68%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.21%	14.79%	17.98%	5.61%

Correlation

The correlation between MDLV and FDL is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2023	0.88

The correlation between MDLV and FDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDLV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDLV	FDL
Utilities	15.2%	6.5%
Industrials	15.0%	3.8%
Financial Services	14.9%	15.1%
Energy	14.4%	27.3%
Technology	9.3%	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.2%	14.7%
Healthcare	7.9%	16.8%
Communication Services	6.4%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	3.8%
Basic Materials	2.6%	0.3%
Real Estate	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

MDLV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDLV

MDLV Risk / Return Rank: 80
MDLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
MDLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
MDLV Omega Ratio Rank: 72
MDLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
MDLV Martin Ratio Rank: 81

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 77
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) 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.

	MDLV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	2.27	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	3.49	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.40	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.01	5.99	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.75	14.59	+1.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDLV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDLV Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDLV 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

	MDLV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.44	2.27	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.08	0.45	+0.63

Drawdowns

MDLV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDLV drawdown since its inception was -10.71%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDLV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDLV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.71%	-65.93%	+55.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.27%	-4.27%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.71%	-12.24%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-1.41%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-9.66%	+7.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.36%	1.75%	-0.39%

Volatility

MDLV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) have volatilities of 2.83% and 2.95%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDLV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.83%	2.95%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.58%	7.85%	-1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.77%	11.30%	-2.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.51%	14.31%	-3.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.51%	17.11%	-6.60%

MDLV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDLV has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDLV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MDLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, less than FDL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.65%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	2.78%	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 FDL in my portfolio?

MDLV and FDL have a correlation of 0.83, 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 FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to MDLV (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDLV dropped -10.71% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, MDLV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, FDL leads with 19.57% vs 13.07% for MDLV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MDLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDLV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, FDL has performed better with a 19.57% return vs 13.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDLV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for MDLV.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 2.78% for MDLV.

What is the main difference between MDLV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Dempsey and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for MDLV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 2.27), 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.