VMAX vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VMAX is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, VMAX returned 27.28% vs 23.67% for FDL. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

VMAX vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) 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, VMAX achieves a 12.22% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

VMAX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 2.11%
• YTD: 12.22%
• 6M: 13.50%
• 1Y: 27.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

VMAX vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	12.22%	15.65%	15.89%	6.98%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	4.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VMAX and FDL is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.70

The correlation between VMAX and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VMAX vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMAX	FDL
Financial Services	33.3%	15.1%
Energy	12.3%	27.3%
Healthcare	11.0%	16.8%
Technology	10.8%	1.1%
Communication Services	6.7%	10.6%
Utilities	5.7%	6.5%
Industrials	5.6%	3.8%
Real Estate	4.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	14.7%
Consumer Cyclical	3.7%	3.8%
Basic Materials	2.8%	0.3%

Return for Risk

VMAX vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

VMAX vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) 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.

	VMAX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.11	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.25	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.37	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.56	5.56	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.55	13.56	+5.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMAX vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMAX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VMAX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.25	2.11	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	0.45	+0.92

Drawdowns

VMAX vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMAX drawdown since its inception was -19.05%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMAX and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMAX	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.05%	-65.93%	+46.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.93%	-4.27%	-0.66%
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	-0.50%	-2.18%	+1.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-9.66%	+7.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.40%	1.75%	-0.35%

Volatility

VMAX vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is 2.55%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that VMAX 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

	VMAX	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.55%	2.85%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.71%	7.87%	+0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	11.28%	+0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.45%	14.31%	+1.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.45%	17.11%	-1.66%

VMAX vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMAX vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

VMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.91%	2.14%	1.95%	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 VMAX and FDL in my portfolio?

VMAX and FDL have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMAX or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to VMAX (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMAX dropped -19.05% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, VMAX or FDL?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 27.28% vs 23.67% for FDL. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMAX or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 27.28% return vs 23.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMAX or FDL?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 1.91% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between VMAX and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for VMAX and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.11), 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.