VONV vs. FDL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VONV (Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - VONV tracks the Russell 1000 Value Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VONV returned 11.43%/yr vs 10.98%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VONV charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

VONV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF (VONV) 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, VONV achieves a 19.49% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 17.61% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VONV having a 11.43% annualized return and FDL not far behind at 10.98%.

VONV

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 2.66%
• 6M: 14.65%
• YTD: 19.49%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: 11.43%

FDL

• 1D: 2.42%
• 1M: 2.96%
• 6M: 12.71%
• YTD: 17.61%
• 1Y: 25.62%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 10.98%

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

VONV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VONV Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF	19.49%	15.81%	14.28%	11.40%	-7.65%	25.28%	2.71%	26.48%	-8.45%	13.59%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	17.61%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VONV and FDL is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between VONV and FDL has dropped to 0.50 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VONV vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VONV	FDL
Technology	18.6%	1.4%
Financial Services	18.2%	15.2%
Industrials	12.6%	3.9%
Healthcare	10.7%	17.6%
Communication Services	8.2%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	14.4%
Energy	6.3%	25.7%
Utilities	4.0%	6.5%
Real Estate	3.9%	-
Basic Materials	3.7%	0.3%

Return for Risk

VONV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VONV

VONV Risk / Return Rank: 92
VONV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VONV Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VONV Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VONV Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
VONV Martin Ratio Rank: 93

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 87
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

VONV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF (VONV) 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.

	VONV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	2.18	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	3.33	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.38	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.46	6.02	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.57	13.73	+4.84

VONV vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VONV Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VONV 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

VONV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VONV drawdown since its inception was -38.21%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VONV and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VONV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.21%	-65.93%	+27.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.81%	-4.27%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.70%	-12.24%	-3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.87%	-16.46%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.21%	-41.40%	+3.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.88%	-9.61%	+5.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	1.87%	-0.24%

Volatility

VONV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF (VONV) is 3.28%, while First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) has a volatility of 4.91%. This indicates that VONV 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

	VONV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	4.91%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.73%	8.74%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.32%	11.79%	-0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	14.41%	+0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.19%	17.13%	+0.06%

VONV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VONV has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

VONV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

VONV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, less than FDL's 3.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.61%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
VONV Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF	1.57%	1.82%	1.97%	2.10%	2.22%	1.67%	2.25%	2.30%	2.56%	2.18%	2.39%	2.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VONV and FDL in my portfolio?

VONV and FDL have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VONV or FDL?

FDL has higher volatility (4.91%) compared to VONV (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VONV dropped -38.21% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, VONV or FDL?

On 10-year performance, VONV leads with 11.43% vs 10.98% for FDL. On fees, VONV is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VONV has been the lower-risk option at 3.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VONV or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, VONV has performed better with a 11.43% return vs 10.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VONV or FDL?

VONV is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 1.57% for VONV.

What is the main difference between VONV and FDL?

VONV tracks Russell 1000 Value Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VONV and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VONV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 2.18), 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.