USAF vs. MDIV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

USAF (Atlas America Fund) and MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. USAF is actively managed, while MDIV is passively managed. Over the past year, USAF returned 4.92% vs 10.55% for MDIV. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USAF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for MDIV.

Performance

USAF vs. MDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Atlas America Fund (USAF) and First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USAF achieves a 1.28% return, which is significantly lower than MDIV's 7.49% return.

USAF

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 1.28%
• 6M: 0.80%
• 1Y: 4.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDIV

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.59%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: 11.96%
• 5Y*: 5.82%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

USAF vs. MDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
USAF Atlas America Fund	1.28%	9.09%	0.18%
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	7.49%	3.77%	-1.66%

Correlation

The correlation between USAF and MDIV is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2024	0.30

Return for Risk

USAF vs. MDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

USAF

USAF Risk / Return Rank: 22
USAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
USAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
USAF Omega Ratio Rank: 23
USAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
USAF Martin Ratio Rank: 21

MDIV

MDIV Risk / Return Rank: 51
MDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
MDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

USAF vs. MDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Atlas America Fund (USAF) and First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV). 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.

	USAF	MDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.56	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	2.28	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.27	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	3.12	-2.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.45	8.65	-6.20

USAF vs. MDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USAF Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the MDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USAF and MDIV, 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

USAF vs. MDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USAF drawdown since its inception was -4.46%, smaller than the maximum MDIV drawdown of -48.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USAF and MDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	USAF	MDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.46%	-48.50%	+44.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.46%	-3.39%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.02%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.17%	-1.73%	-2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-4.57%	+3.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.22%	+0.79%

Volatility

USAF vs. MDIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Atlas America Fund (USAF) is 0.92%, while First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) has a volatility of 2.03%. This indicates that USAF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USAF	MDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.92%	2.03%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.77%	4.47%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.97%	6.79%	-0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.63%	10.93%	-5.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.63%	15.23%	-9.60%

USAF vs. MDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

USAF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than MDIV's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

USAF vs. MDIV - Dividend Comparison

USAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%, less than MDIV's 6.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	6.40%	6.51%	6.40%	6.08%	6.71%	5.30%	6.00%	5.90%	6.76%	6.04%	6.35%	7.38%
USAF Atlas America Fund	2.47%	2.50%	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 USAF and MDIV in my portfolio?

USAF and MDIV have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USAF or MDIV?

MDIV has higher volatility (2.03%) compared to USAF (0.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USAF dropped -4.46% vs MDIV's -48.50%.

Which ETF is better, USAF or MDIV?

On 1-year performance, MDIV leads with 10.55% vs 4.92% for USAF. On fees, MDIV is cheaper at 0.73% per year. On volatility, USAF has been the lower-risk option at 0.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USAF or MDIV?

Over the 1-year period, MDIV has performed better with a 10.55% return vs 4.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USAF or MDIV?

MDIV is cheaper with a 0.73% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for USAF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USAF or MDIV?

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.40%, compared with 2.47% for USAF.

What is the main difference between USAF and MDIV?

They also come from different issuers: Atlas and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for USAF and 0.73% for MDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 0.83), 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.