MDLV vs. FTA

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

MDLV (Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF) and FTA (First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. MDLV is actively managed, while FTA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MDLV returned 11.72%/yr vs 16.10%/yr for FTA. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDLV charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTA.

Performance

MDLV vs. FTA - 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 Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDLV achieves a 9.43% return, which is significantly lower than FTA's 11.25% return.

MDLV

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: -1.78%
• YTD: 9.43%
• 6M: 10.17%
• 1Y: 19.13%
• 3Y*: 11.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTA

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 11.25%
• 6M: 10.55%
• 1Y: 25.74%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 10.11%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

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

MDLV vs. FTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	9.43%	13.30%	10.16%	-0.14%
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	11.25%	14.94%	10.13%	11.06%

Correlation

The correlation between MDLV and FTA is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2023	0.83

The correlation between MDLV and FTA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDLV vs. FTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDLV	FTA
Financial Services	14.9%	21.9%
Industrials	14.6%	8.5%
Utilities	14.6%	10.8%
Energy	14.1%	9.8%
Technology	10.0%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	8.3%	6.4%
Healthcare	7.8%	9.7%
Communication Services	6.4%	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	9.0%
Basic Materials	2.7%	3.4%
Real Estate	2.3%	6.6%

Return for Risk

MDLV vs. FTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDLV

MDLV Risk / Return Rank: 74
MDLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
MDLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
MDLV Omega Ratio Rank: 63
MDLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MDLV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

FTA

FTA Risk / Return Rank: 77
FTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FTA Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FTA Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. FTA - 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 Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA). 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	FTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.21	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.24	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.38	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.52	5.03	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.11	15.86	-1.75

MDLV vs. FTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDLV Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the FTA Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDLV and FTA, 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. FTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDLV drawdown since its inception was -10.71%, smaller than the maximum FTA drawdown of -62.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDLV and FTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDLV	FTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.71%	-62.45%	+51.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.27%	-5.13%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.71%	-18.73%	+8.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.56%	-2.01%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-9.01%	+6.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.37%	1.63%	-0.26%

Volatility

MDLV vs. FTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) is 2.94%, while First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) has a volatility of 3.34%. This indicates that MDLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDLV	FTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	3.34%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.71%	7.66%	-0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.92%	11.74%	-2.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	16.25%	-5.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.52%	19.97%	-9.45%

MDLV vs. FTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDLV has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than FTA's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDLV vs. FTA - Dividend Comparison

MDLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, more than FTA's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.67%	1.89%	2.02%	2.10%	2.15%	1.54%	2.03%	1.88%	2.28%	1.53%	1.56%	2.05%
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	2.82%	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 FTA in my portfolio?

MDLV and FTA have a correlation of 0.80, 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 FTA?

FTA has higher volatility (3.34%) compared to MDLV (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDLV dropped -10.71% vs FTA's -62.45%.

Which ETF is better, MDLV or FTA?

On 3-year performance, FTA leads with 16.10% vs 11.72% for MDLV. On fees, MDLV is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, MDLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDLV or FTA?

Over the 3-year period, FTA has performed better with a 16.10% return vs 11.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDLV or FTA?

MDLV is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTA.

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

MDLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 1.67% for FTA.

What is the main difference between MDLV and FTA?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Dempsey and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for MDLV and 0.60% for FTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 2.16), 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.