USFE vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

USFE (First Eagle US Equity ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. USFE is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USFE charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

USFE vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Eagle US Equity ETF (USFE) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

USFE

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -3.84%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

USFE vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
USFE First Eagle US Equity ETF	-4.00%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	6.90%

Correlation

The correlation between USFE and FDL is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2026	0.37

Return for Risk

USFE vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

USFE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

USFE vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Eagle US Equity ETF (USFE) 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.

	USFE	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.91	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.90	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.15	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.05	—

Drawdowns

USFE vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USFE drawdown since its inception was -9.37%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USFE and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	USFE	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.37%	-65.93%	+56.56%
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	-6.94%	-3.40%	-3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.84%	-9.63%	+5.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USFE	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.01%	11.55%	+0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.01%	14.31%	-2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.01%	17.11%	-5.10%

USFE vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

USFE has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

USFE vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

USFE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%.

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%
USFE First Eagle US Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 USFE and FDL in my portfolio?

USFE and FDL have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USFE or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USFE or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for USFE.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 0.00% for USFE.

What is the main difference between USFE and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: First Eagle and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for USFE and 0.43% for FDL.