XDAT vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XDAT (Franklin Exponential Data ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XDAT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. XDAT is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XDAT returned -2.54%/yr vs 13.08%/yr for FDL. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDAT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

XDAT vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) 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, XDAT achieves a -7.81% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

XDAT

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -2.09%
• YTD: -7.81%
• 6M: -9.60%
• 1Y: -9.59%
• 3Y*: 8.96%
• 5Y*: -2.54%
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

XDAT vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	-7.81%	1.87%	16.54%	45.77%	-45.71%	9.61%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	22.78%

Correlation

The correlation between XDAT and FDL is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2021	0.24

The correlation between XDAT and FDL shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.25 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XDAT vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XDAT	FDL
Technology	59.4%	1.4%
Communication Services	32.0%	10.6%
Real Estate	4.7%	-
Healthcare	2.6%	17.6%
Financial Services	2.4%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	1.2%	4.7%
Industrials	0.2%	3.9%
Basic Materials	-	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	14.4%
Energy	-	25.7%
Utilities	-	6.5%

Return for Risk

XDAT vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XDAT

XDAT Risk / Return Rank: 6
XDAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
XDAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
XDAT Omega Ratio Rank: 5
XDAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
XDAT Martin Ratio Rank: 6

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 69
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

XDAT vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) 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.

	XDAT	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.40	1.95	-2.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.40	2.96	-3.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.34	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.33	5.26	-5.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.68	12.40	-13.08

XDAT vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XDAT Sharpe Ratio is -0.40, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XDAT 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

XDAT vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDAT drawdown since its inception was -54.87%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDAT and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDAT	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.87%	-65.93%	+11.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.56%	-4.27%	-25.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.56%	-12.24%	-17.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.87%	-16.46%	-38.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.87%	-3.09%	-19.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.85%	-9.64%	-16.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.17%	1.81%	+12.36%

Volatility

XDAT vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) has a higher volatility of 10.70% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 3.72%. This indicates that XDAT'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

	XDAT	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.70%	3.72%	+6.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.11%	8.09%	+12.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.35%	11.54%	+12.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.56%	14.31%	+15.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.43%	17.11%	+12.32%

XDAT vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDAT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDAT vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

XDAT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.70%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	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 XDAT and FDL in my portfolio?

XDAT and FDL have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XDAT or FDL?

XDAT has higher volatility (10.70%) compared to FDL (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XDAT dropped -54.87% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, XDAT or FDL?

On 5-year performance, FDL leads with 13.08% vs -2.54% for XDAT. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 3.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XDAT or FDL?

Over the 5-year period, FDL has performed better with a 13.08% return vs -2.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XDAT or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for XDAT.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.00% for XDAT.

What is the main difference between XDAT and FDL?

XDAT is categorized as Technology Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for XDAT and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs -0.40), 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.