SPD vs. FDL

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SPD (Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SPD is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Simplify, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. SPD is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPD returned 7.42%/yr vs 13.97%/yr for FDL. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SPD charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

SPD vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (SPD) 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, SPD achieves a 5.20% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 16.72% return.

SPD

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -1.28%
• 6M: 4.09%
• YTD: 5.20%
• 1Y: 9.85%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 7.42%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.26%

FDL

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 4.67%
• 6M: 12.53%
• YTD: 16.72%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 18.15%
• 5Y*: 13.97%
• 10Y*: 10.85%
• ALL TIME*: 8.89%

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

SPD vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SPD Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF	5.20%	18.86%	17.49%	20.94%	-25.96%	24.81%	8.06%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	16.72%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	12.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SPD and FDL is 0.08, 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	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 4, 2020	0.48

Over the past year, the correlation between SPD and FDL has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.48, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SPD vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPD	FDL
Technology	37.9%	4.3%
Financial Services	11.7%	13.7%
Communication Services	10.0%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	4.4%
Healthcare	9.1%	11.7%
Industrials	8.4%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	24.3%
Energy	3.0%	11.1%
Utilities	2.3%	15.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	0.4%

Return for Risk

SPD vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPD

SPD Risk / Return Rank: 26
SPD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
SPD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
SPD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
SPD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
SPD Martin Ratio Rank: 27

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 88
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SPD vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (SPD) 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.

	SPD	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	2.11	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	3.24	-2.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.37	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.83	5.81	-4.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.63	13.25	-10.62

SPD vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPD Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPD 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

SPD vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPD drawdown since its inception was -27.38%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPD and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPD	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.38%	-65.93%	+38.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.90%	-4.27%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.18%	-12.24%	-2.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.38%	-16.46%	-10.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.09%	-0.76%	-1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.59%	-9.61%	+2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	1.87%	+1.88%

Volatility

SPD vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (SPD) is 3.25%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 4.66%. This indicates that SPD 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

	SPD	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.25%	4.66%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.41%	8.64%	+0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.98%	11.79%	+1.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	14.39%	+1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.95%	17.14%	-1.19%

SPD vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPD has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPD vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

SPD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than FDL's 3.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.63%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
SPD Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF	0.97%	0.97%	1.14%	1.91%	1.64%	0.88%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPD and FDL in my portfolio?

SPD and FDL have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPD or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to SPD (3.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPD dropped -27.38% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, SPD or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 13.97% vs 7.42% for SPD. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, SPD has been the lower-risk option at 3.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPD or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 13.97% return vs 7.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPD or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for SPD.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.63%, compared with 0.97% for SPD.

What is the main difference between SPD and FDL?

SPD is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for SPD and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.76), 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.