VUSV vs. FDL
VUSV (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VUSV is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VUSV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.
Performance
VUSV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VUSV achieves a 7.35% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.30% return.
VUSV
- 1D
- 0.13%
- 1M
- 0.08%
- YTD
- 7.35%
- 6M
- 6.39%
- 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%
VUSV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VUSV Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF | 7.35% | 5.62% |
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund | 12.30% | 3.89% |
Correlation
The correlation between VUSV and FDL is 0.38, 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 18, 2025 | 0.38 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VUSV vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank
VUSV
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
FDL
VUSV vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF (VUSV) 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.
| VUSV | FDL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.33 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 5.15 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 12.05 | — |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VUSV vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VUSV drawdown since its inception was -7.06%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSV and FDL.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VUSV | FDL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -7.06% | -65.93% | +58.87% |
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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.83% | -3.40% | +1.57% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.28% | -9.63% | +8.35% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 1.82% | — |
Volatility
VUSV vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VUSV | 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 | 12.02% | 11.55% | +0.47% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 12.02% | 14.31% | -2.29% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 12.02% | 17.11% | -5.09% |
VUSV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison
VUSV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.
Dividends
VUSV vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison
VUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than FDL's 3.71% yield.
| 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% |
VUSV Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF | 0.18% | 0.20% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VUSV and FDL have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VUSV is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VUSV is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.
FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 0.18% for VUSV.
They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for VUSV and 0.43% for FDL.
Find the right allocation for VUSV and FDL
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer