YLDE vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

YLDE (ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF) and KNG (FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both Dividend funds. YLDE is actively managed, while KNG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, YLDE returned 9.54%/yr vs 4.31%/yr for KNG. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. YLDE charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

YLDE vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF (YLDE) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YLDE achieves a 4.09% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 2.20% return.

YLDE

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 4.09%
• 6M: 5.06%
• 1Y: 13.89%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: —

KNG

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 7.44%
• 3Y*: 7.06%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

YLDE vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
YLDE ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF	4.09%	13.09%	16.44%	15.69%	-8.56%	22.12%	10.35%	32.46%	-2.61%
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	2.20%	6.63%	5.99%	7.48%	-7.03%	24.78%	7.21%	26.64%	-0.84%

Correlation

The correlation between YLDE and KNG is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 28, 2018	0.74

The correlation between YLDE and KNG shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (all time) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

YLDE vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

YLDE

YLDE Risk / Return Rank: 41
YLDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
YLDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
YLDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
YLDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
YLDE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 20
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 19
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

YLDE vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF (YLDE) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	YLDE	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.73	+0.76
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	1.15	+0.99
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.13	+0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	0.87	+0.97
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.84	2.25	+4.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

YLDE vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YLDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YLDE and KNG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	YLDE	KNG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	0.73	+0.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.32	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.49	+0.25

Drawdowns

YLDE vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLDE drawdown since its inception was -33.23%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLDE and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLDE	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.23%	-35.12%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.59%	-8.61%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.42%	-14.24%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.22%	-18.20%	-2.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.54%	-5.89%	+3.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-4.13%	+0.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	3.32%	-1.29%

Volatility

YLDE vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF (YLDE) is 1.81%, while FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) has a volatility of 2.29%. This indicates that YLDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YLDE	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.81%	2.29%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.74%	7.39%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.31%	10.19%	-0.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.50%	13.59%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.76%	17.18%	-1.42%

YLDE vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLDE has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLDE vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

YLDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.04%, less than KNG's 8.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.67%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%	0.00%
YLDE ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF	7.04%	5.68%	1.69%	1.64%	1.68%	1.15%	1.46%	1.65%	2.25%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YLDE and KNG in my portfolio?

YLDE and KNG have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YLDE or KNG?

KNG has higher volatility (2.29%) compared to YLDE (1.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YLDE dropped -33.23% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, YLDE or KNG?

On 5-year performance, YLDE leads with 9.54% vs 4.31% for KNG. On fees, YLDE is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, YLDE has been the lower-risk option at 1.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YLDE or KNG?

Over the 5-year period, YLDE has performed better with a 9.54% return vs 4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLDE or KNG?

YLDE is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KNG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, YLDE or KNG?

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.67%, compared with 7.04% for YLDE.

What is the main difference between YLDE and KNG?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for YLDE and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YLDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.73), 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.