VDIG vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VDIG (Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VDIG is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VDIG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

VDIG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) 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, VDIG achieves a -0.22% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 14.42% return.

VDIG

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: -0.22%
• 6M: 0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 14.42%
• 6M: 15.89%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: 19.36%
• 5Y*: 12.73%
• 10Y*: 11.25%

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

VDIG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	-0.22%	3.68%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.42%	3.03%

Correlation

The correlation between VDIG and FDL is 0.29, 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 Nov 19, 2025	0.29

Return for Risk

VDIG 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: 79
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VDIG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) 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

	VDIG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.31	—
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	0.57	0.45	+0.12

Drawdowns

VDIG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDIG drawdown since its inception was -11.20%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDIG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDIG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.20%	-65.93%	+54.73%
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	-2.27%	-1.24%	-1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-9.65%	+6.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDIG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.84%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.78%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	11.27%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.34%	14.31%	-2.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.34%	17.11%	-5.77%

VDIG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDIG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDIG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

VDIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than FDL's 3.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.64%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	0.13%	0.13%	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 VDIG and FDL in my portfolio?

VDIG and FDL have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VDIG or FDL?

On fees, VDIG is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDIG or FDL?

VDIG is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 0.13% for VDIG.

What is the main difference between VDIG and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for VDIG and 0.45% for FDL.