MFVL vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MFVL (Motley Fool Value Factor ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. MFVL is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MFVL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MFVL vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Motley Fool Value Factor ETF (MFVL) 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, MFVL achieves a 0.39% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

MFVL

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

MFVL vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MFVL Motley Fool Value Factor ETF	0.39%	1.39%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	1.98%

Correlation

The correlation between MFVL and FDL is 0.37, 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 Dec 10, 2025	0.37

Return for Risk

MFVL vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

MFVL vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Motley Fool Value Factor ETF (MFVL) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MFVL	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.45	-0.14

Drawdowns

MFVL vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFVL drawdown since its inception was -7.03%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFVL and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFVL	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.03%	-65.93%	+58.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.27%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.24%	—
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	-3.29%	-2.18%	-1.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-9.66%	+7.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MFVL	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.87%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.15%	11.28%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.15%	14.31%	-2.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.15%	17.11%	-4.96%

MFVL vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFVL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFVL vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MFVL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.68%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
MFVL Motley Fool Value Factor ETF	0.00%	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 MFVL and FDL in my portfolio?

MFVL and FDL have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MFVL or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFVL or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for MFVL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 0.00% for MFVL.

What is the main difference between MFVL and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Motley Fool and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for MFVL and 0.45% for FDL.