NUDV vs. MDLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NUDV (Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF) and MDLV (Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. NUDV is passively managed, while MDLV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, NUDV returned 15.87%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for MDLV. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NUDV charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for MDLV.

Performance

NUDV vs. MDLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) and Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUDV achieves a 9.63% return, which is significantly lower than MDLV's 10.21% return.

NUDV

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: 9.63%
• 6M: 10.03%
• 1Y: 18.63%
• 3Y*: 15.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDLV

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 10.21%
• 6M: 11.06%
• 1Y: 19.98%
• 3Y*: 12.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NUDV vs. MDLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NUDV Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF	9.63%	10.77%	14.02%	12.89%
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	10.21%	13.30%	10.16%	0.68%

Correlation

The correlation between NUDV and MDLV is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2023	0.84

The correlation between NUDV and MDLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

NUDV vs. MDLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUDV	MDLV
Financial Services	23.2%	14.9%
Technology	13.2%	9.3%
Industrials	12.0%	15.0%
Healthcare	11.3%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	10.5%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	3.9%
Real Estate	5.8%	2.2%
Utilities	5.8%	15.2%
Energy	5.0%	14.4%
Communication Services	3.9%	6.4%
Basic Materials	2.7%	2.6%

Return for Risk

NUDV vs. MDLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUDV

NUDV Risk / Return Rank: 55
NUDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
NUDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
NUDV Omega Ratio Rank: 50
NUDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
NUDV Martin Ratio Rank: 57

MDLV

MDLV Risk / Return Rank: 75
MDLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
MDLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
MDLV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MDLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
MDLV 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.

NUDV vs. MDLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	NUDV	MDLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.29	-0.48
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.35	-0.70
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	4.70	-1.87
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.08	14.78	-4.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NUDV vs. MDLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the MDLV Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUDV and MDLV, 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

	NUDV	MDLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81	2.29	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	1.06	-0.42

Drawdowns

NUDV vs. MDLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUDV drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, which is greater than MDLV's maximum drawdown of -10.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUDV and MDLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUDV	MDLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-10.71%	-9.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.60%	-4.27%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.48%	-10.71%	-5.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-1.08%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-2.29%	-2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	1.36%	+0.49%

Volatility

NUDV vs. MDLV - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF (NUDV) and Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) have volatilities of 2.71% and 2.77%, 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

	NUDV	MDLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	2.77%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.44%	6.57%	+0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.34%	8.76%	+1.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.97%	10.52%	+4.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.97%	10.52%	+4.45%

NUDV vs. MDLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUDV has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than MDLV's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUDV vs. MDLV - Dividend Comparison

NUDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than MDLV's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	2.80%	3.00%	2.78%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%
NUDV Nuveen ESG Dividend ETF	2.27%	2.36%	6.18%	2.48%	2.96%	0.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUDV and MDLV in my portfolio?

NUDV and MDLV have a correlation of 0.84, 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 MDLV?

MDLV has higher volatility (2.77%) compared to NUDV (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUDV dropped -20.10% vs MDLV's -10.71%.

Which ETF is better, NUDV or MDLV?

On 3-year performance, NUDV leads with 15.87% vs 12.68% for MDLV. On fees, NUDV is cheaper at 0.26% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUDV or MDLV?

Over the 3-year period, NUDV has performed better with a 15.87% return vs 12.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUDV or MDLV?

NUDV is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for MDLV.

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

MDLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 2.27% for NUDV.

What is the main difference between NUDV and MDLV?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and Morgan Dempsey. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for NUDV and 0.58% for MDLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.81), 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.