WCMG vs. FDL

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

WCMG (First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - WCMG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. WCMG is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. WCMG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

WCMG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF (WCMG) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

WCMG

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -1.76%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 11.14%
• 1Y: 20.92%
• 3Y*: 17.84%
• 5Y*: 12.75%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

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

WCMG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WCMG First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF	9.07%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	-1.01%

Correlation

The correlation between WCMG and FDL is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	-0.22

Return for Risk

WCMG vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCMG

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

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 72
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

WCMG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF (WCMG) 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.

	WCMG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.81	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.75	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.31	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.92	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.27	—

Drawdowns

WCMG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCMG drawdown since its inception was -5.01%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCMG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCMG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.01%	-65.93%	+60.92%
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	-0.28%	-3.93%	+3.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-9.63%	+8.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.86%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WCMG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.80%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.32%	11.63%	+7.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.32%	14.33%	+4.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.32%	17.10%	+2.22%

WCMG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCMG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCMG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

WCMG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.80%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.80%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
WCMG First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 WCMG and FDL in my portfolio?

WCMG and FDL have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WCMG or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCMG or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for WCMG.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.80%, compared with 0.00% for WCMG.

What is the main difference between WCMG and FDL?

WCMG is categorized as Global Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for WCMG and 0.43% for FDL.