SPXD vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SPXD (Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - SPXD tracks the S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPXD charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

SPXD vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF (SPXD) 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, SPXD achieves a 10.08% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.21% return.

SPXD

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 3.15%
• YTD: 10.08%
• 6M: 10.66%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

SPXD vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SPXD Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF	10.08%	5.02%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.21%	4.30%

Correlation

The correlation between SPXD and FDL is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 25, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

SPXD 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: 77
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL 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.

SPXD vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF (SPXD) 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

	SPXD	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	0.45	+1.25

Drawdowns

SPXD vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPXD drawdown since its inception was -7.53%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPXD and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPXD	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.53%	-65.93%	+58.40%
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	0.00%	-1.41%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.23%	-9.66%	+8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SPXD	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.95%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.85%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.78%	11.30%	-0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.78%	14.31%	-3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.78%	17.11%	-6.33%

SPXD vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPXD has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPXD vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

SPXD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than FDL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.65%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
SPXD Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF	1.02%	0.76%	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 SPXD and FDL in my portfolio?

SPXD and FDL have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SPXD or FDL?

On fees, SPXD is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPXD or FDL?

SPXD is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.02% for SPXD.

What is the main difference between SPXD and FDL?

SPXD tracks S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for SPXD and 0.45% for FDL.