NUDV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NUDV (Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - NUDV tracks the Nuveen ESG USA High Dividend Yield Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, NUDV returned 15.78%/yr vs 18.97%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NUDV charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

NUDV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) 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, NUDV achieves a 10.57% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.30% return.

NUDV

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 9.45%
• 1Y: 18.55%
• 3Y*: 15.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -3.06%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 21.91%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.94%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

NUDV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NUDV Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF	10.57%	10.77%	14.02%	10.13%	-7.83%	8.35%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.30%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	9.22%

Correlation

The correlation between NUDV and FDL is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2021	0.84

The correlation between NUDV and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NUDV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUDV	FDL
Financial Services	22.4%	15.2%
Industrials	18.2%	3.9%
Healthcare	13.7%	17.6%
Technology	11.8%	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.3%	14.4%
Real Estate	6.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	4.7%
Utilities	3.6%	6.5%
Communication Services	3.2%	10.6%
Energy	2.5%	25.7%
Basic Materials	2.2%	0.3%

Return for Risk

NUDV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUDV

NUDV Risk / Return Rank: 62
NUDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
NUDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
NUDV Omega Ratio Rank: 57
NUDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
NUDV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 72
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

NUDV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) 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.

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.

	NUDV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.91	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.90	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	5.15	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.03	12.05	-2.02

NUDV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUDV 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.

Drawdowns

NUDV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUDV drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUDV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUDV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-65.93%	+45.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.60%	-4.27%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.48%	-12.24%	-4.24%
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	-0.83%	-3.40%	+2.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-9.63%	+4.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	1.82%	+0.03%

Volatility

NUDV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) is 2.99%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 3.54%. This indicates that NUDV 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

	NUDV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	3.54%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.65%	8.10%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.41%	11.55%	-1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.93%	14.31%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.93%	17.11%	-2.18%

NUDV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUDV has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUDV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

NUDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, less than FDL's 3.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.71%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
NUDV Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF	2.26%	2.36%	6.18%	2.48%	2.96%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUDV and FDL in my portfolio?

NUDV and FDL have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUDV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to NUDV (2.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUDV dropped -20.10% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, NUDV or FDL?

On 3-year performance, FDL leads with 18.97% vs 15.78% for NUDV. On fees, NUDV is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, NUDV has been the lower-risk option at 2.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUDV or FDL?

Over the 3-year period, FDL has performed better with a 18.97% return vs 15.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUDV or FDL?

NUDV is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 2.26% for NUDV.

What is the main difference between NUDV and FDL?

NUDV tracks Nuveen ESG USA High Dividend Yield Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for NUDV and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.79), 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.