VUSV vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VUSV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

VUSV vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF (VUSV) 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, VUSV achieves a 7.46% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 13.33% return.

VUSV

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 7.46%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

VUSV vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSV Vanguard Wellington U.S. Value Active ETF	7.46%	5.48%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	3.03%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSV and FDL is 0.41, 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	0.41

Return for Risk

VUSV 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: 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.

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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSV	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
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	2.23	0.45	+1.78

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSV	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest 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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-2.18%	+1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-9.66%	+8.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSV	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.87%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.94%	11.28%	+0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.94%	14.31%	-2.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.94%	17.11%	-5.17%

VUSV vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% 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 3.68% 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%
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

Can I hold both VUSV and FDL in my portfolio?

VUSV and FDL have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSV or FDL?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSV or FDL?

VUSV is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 0.18% for VUSV.

What is the main difference between VUSV and FDL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for VUSV and 0.45% for FDL.