MGOV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MGOV (First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MGOV is a Government Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. MGOV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, MGOV returned 6.85% vs 23.67% for FDL. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MGOV charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

MGOV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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, MGOV achieves a 0.39% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

MGOV

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: 6.85%
• 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)

MGOV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	0.39%	8.54%	1.55%	4.56%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	4.40%

Correlation

The correlation between MGOV and FDL is -0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2023	0.13

The correlation between MGOV and FDL shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.13 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MGOV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGOV

MGOV Risk / Return Rank: 39
MGOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
MGOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MGOV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
MGOV Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

MGOV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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.

	MGOV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.11	-0.62
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	3.25	-1.05
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	5.56	-3.73
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.68	13.56	-7.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MGOV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGOV Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGOV 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

	MGOV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	2.11	-0.62
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	0.89	0.45	+0.44

Drawdowns

MGOV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGOV drawdown since its inception was -6.11%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGOV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGOV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.11%	-65.93%	+59.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.53%	-4.27%	+0.74%
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	-2.18%	-2.18%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.62%	-9.66%	+8.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.14%	1.75%	-0.61%

Volatility

MGOV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is 1.72%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that MGOV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGOV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.72%	2.85%	-1.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.24%	7.87%	-4.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.65%	11.28%	-6.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.95%	14.31%	-8.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.95%	17.11%	-11.16%

MGOV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGOV has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGOV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

MGOV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.97%, more than FDL's 3.68% yield.

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%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	4.97%	4.95%	5.05%	1.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGOV and FDL in my portfolio?

MGOV and FDL have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGOV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to MGOV (1.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGOV dropped -6.11% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, MGOV or FDL?

On 1-year performance, FDL leads with 23.67% vs 6.85% for MGOV. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MGOV has been the lower-risk option at 1.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGOV or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, FDL has performed better with a 23.67% return vs 6.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGOV or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for MGOV.

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

MGOV has the higher dividend yield at 4.97%, compared with 3.68% for FDL.

What is the main difference between MGOV and FDL?

MGOV is categorized as Government Bonds, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for MGOV and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.48), 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.