XAIX vs. FDL

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Artificial Intelligence fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 46.81% vs 26.71% for FDL. Their 0.05 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. XAIX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

XAIX vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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, XAIX achieves a 30.75% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 18.60% return.

XAIX

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 0.17%
• 6M: 32.58%
• YTD: 30.75%
• 1Y: 46.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 39.27%

FDL

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 4.47%
• 6M: 5.75%
• YTD: 18.60%
• 1Y: 26.71%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 13.96%
• 10Y*: 11.08%
• ALL TIME*: 8.95%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	$48.97M	$49.30M	$42.41M
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	$1.01M	$1.45M	$1.98M

XAIX vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	30.75%	29.05%	15.21%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	18.60%	14.79%	2.24%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and FDL is -0.20, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.05

The correlation between XAIX and FDL shifts across timeframes, from -0.20 (1 year) to 0.05 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XAIX vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAIX	FDL
Technology	79.0%	4.3%
Communication Services	10.4%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	4.4%
Financial Services	4.4%	13.7%
Industrials	0.1%	3.6%
Healthcare	0.0%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	24.3%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.4%
Energy	0.0%	11.1%
Utilities	0.0%	15.4%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 89
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

XAIX vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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.

	XAIX	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.26	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	3.41	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	6.28	-3.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.28	14.78	-6.51

XAIX vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX 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

XAIX vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-65.93%	+41.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.95%	-4.27%	-12.68%
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	-7.94%	-1.60%	-6.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.01%	-9.59%	+5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.67%	1.81%	+3.86%

Volatility

XAIX vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a higher volatility of 9.08% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 4.48%. This indicates that XAIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAIX	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.08%	4.48%	+4.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.30%	8.63%	+14.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.06%	11.88%	+14.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.20%	14.43%	+10.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.20%	17.16%	+8.04%

XAIX vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAIX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAIX vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than FDL's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.58%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.39%	0.54%	0.08%	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 XAIX and FDL in my portfolio?

XAIX and FDL have a correlation of -0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XAIX or FDL?

XAIX has higher volatility (9.08%) compared to FDL (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or FDL?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 46.81% vs 26.71% for FDL. On fees, XAIX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 46.81% return vs 26.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or FDL?

XAIX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FDL.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 0.39% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XAIX and FDL?

XAIX is categorized as Artificial Intelligence, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAIX and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.81), 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.