VIG vs. FDL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 12.98%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for FDL. Their 0.78 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

VIG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) 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, VIG achieves a 10.16% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 18.62% return. Over the past 10 years, VIG has outperformed FDL with an annualized return of 12.98%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively lower 11.08% annualized return.

VIG

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.64%
• 6M: 7.02%
• YTD: 10.16%
• 1Y: 19.59%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 10.56%
• 10Y*: 12.98%
• ALL TIME*: 10.24%

FDL

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.67%
• 6M: 9.83%
• YTD: 18.62%
• 1Y: 28.15%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 11.08%
• ALL TIME*: 8.96%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	$51.38M	$49.50M	$43.21M
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	$232.65M	$242.03M	$260.72M

VIG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	10.16%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	18.62%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and FDL is 0.40, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2006	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between VIG and FDL has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VIG vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	FDL
Technology	26.9%	4.3%
Financial Services	20.3%	13.7%
Healthcare	17.8%	11.7%
Industrials	11.9%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	9.2%	24.3%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	4.4%
Basic Materials	3.4%	0.4%
Utilities	3.0%	15.4%
Energy	3.0%	11.1%
Communication Services	0.5%	11.2%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VIG vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 79
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 92
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VIG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) 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.

	VIG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.38	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	3.58	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.42	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	6.62	-4.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	15.62	-5.50

VIG vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG 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

VIG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-65.93%	+19.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-4.27%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-12.24%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-16.46%	-3.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-41.40%	+9.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-1.58%	+0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.47%	-9.59%	+4.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.81%	+0.13%

Volatility

VIG vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is 2.57%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 4.65%. This indicates that VIG 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

	VIG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.57%	4.65%	-2.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.62%	8.75%	-1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.08%	11.89%	-1.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.20%	14.44%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.02%	17.16%	-1.14%

VIG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, less than FDL's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.58%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.49%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIG and FDL in my portfolio?

VIG and FDL have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to VIG (2.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or FDL?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 12.98% vs 11.08% for FDL. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 11.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or FDL?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 1.49% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and FDL?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.96), 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.