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First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/29/2025: FDL (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 9.91% | Avg. Invested days 65 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.8 | 52 Weeks Range 35.74 - 43.50 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 35.74 - 43.50 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the Morningstaru00ae Dividend Leaders IndexSM. It focuses on dividend-paying companies, prioritizing high dividend yields and financial health.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF provider known for its innovative and thematic ETFs.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team of investment professionals with experience in managing and tracking various indexes.
Investment Objective
Goal
To track the performance of the Morningstaru00ae Dividend Leaders IndexSM.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF tracks a specific index, the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index.
Composition The fund primarily holds stocks of dividend-paying companies.
Market Position
Market Share: FDL holds a modest but notable market share in the dividend ETF space.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 1770000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- SCHD
- DVY
- VYM
- SPHD
Competitive Landscape
The dividend ETF market is competitive, with several large players. FDL differentiates itself by its specific index methodology, focusing on high dividend yields and financial health, while competitors might have broader diversification or different weighting schemes. FDL's advantage lies in its yield focus, but it may underperform in growth-oriented markets. Diversification is a disadvantage when compared to VYM.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data needs to be obtained from reliable sources and analyzed over different periods (e.g., 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years).
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared against the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index to assess tracking accuracy.
Expense Ratio: 0.45
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume is moderate, providing sufficient liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically narrow, indicating efficient trading conditions.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic factors such as interest rates, inflation, and dividend payout ratios impact the ETF's performance. Sector-specific factors within its holdings can also influence returns.
Growth Trajectory
The ETF's growth trajectory depends on the overall dividend-paying market and the performance of its constituent companies. Changes to the underlying index or investment strategy could affect future growth.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FDLu2019s competitive advantage stems from its focus on high dividend yields and its stringent financial health screen, differentiating it from competitors with broader dividend strategies. Its unique approach may attract investors seeking a specific dividend profile. First Trust's brand recognition and distribution network also contribute to its competitive positioning within the ETF market, although other providers have deeper market penetration. The fund's performance relative to its index determines its ability to attract and retain assets under management.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
FDL's volatility is tied to the volatility of its underlying dividend-paying stocks. Analysis of historical price fluctuations and beta can provide insights into its risk profile.
Market Risk
The ETF is exposed to market risk, including potential declines in stock prices and changes in dividend policies of its holdings. Sector concentration can amplify market risk if a particular sector faces challenges.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is a risk-averse individual seeking income from dividends, with a focus on companies with strong financial health.
Market Risk
The ETF is suitable for long-term investors and passive income seekers.
Summary
The First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) provides exposure to dividend-paying companies with a focus on high yields and financial stability. Its performance is closely tied to the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. While its expense ratio is moderate, it offers a specialized dividend investment approach. FDL is best suited for long-term investors seeking income, who are less concerned about high growth and more concerned about consistent dividend payments from financially sound companies.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- Morningstar
- ETF.com
- Yahoo Finance
- Bloomberg
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The fund will normally invest at least 90% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities that comprise the index. The index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 highest-yielding stocks that have a consistent record of dividend payment and have the ability to sustain their dividend payments. It is non-diversified.

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.
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