VS
iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (XDU) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XDU focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Industrials, while FDL leans towards Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Utilities, and Finance. When evaluating costs, XDU features a management fee (MER) of 0.14%, compared to 0.15% for FDL. Performance-wise, XDU has returned 23.33% year-to-date with +$66 M in net flows, whereas FDL is at 20.9% with +$1 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
XDU
FDL
| AuM | $352.44 M | $12.75 M |
| Management Fees | 0.14% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.16% | 0.59% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XDU | +6.96% | +5.07% | +23.33% | +23.54% | +69.98% |
FDL | +7.44% | +1.82% | +20.90% | +25.63% | +73.81% | |
| Flows | XDU | +$3 M | +$5 M | +$66 M | +$70 M | +$79 M |
FDL | +$0 M | +$0 M | +$1 M | +$1 M | -$1 M |
XDU vs FDL exposure
Countries
XDU
USA
95.47%
FDL
USA
91.33%
Other
8.67%
Sectors
XDU
Healthcare
20.50%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
14.44%
Industrials
12.98%
Technology
12.07%
Energy
11.42%
Finance
9.60%
Other
19.01%
FDL
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
24.06%
Utilities
14.48%
Finance
12.91%
Healthcare
12.09%
Energy
11.19%
Telecommunications
9.92%
Other
15.35%
As of October 29, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XDU
Johnson & Johnson
5.03%
ExxonMobil Holdings Corp.
4.98%
Cisco Systems, Inc.
3.34%
Chevron Corp.
2.97%
Merck & Co., Inc.
2.83%
Procter & Gamble Co.
2.67%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
2.63%
The Coca-Cola Co.
2.63%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
2.34%
The Home Depot, Inc.
2.24%
FDL
Chevron Corp.
8.96%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
7.32%
Pfizer Inc.
6.58%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
6.40%
PepsiCo, Inc.
5.01%
Altria Group, Inc.
4.67%
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
3.21%
Accenture Plc
3.08%
United Parcel Service, Inc.
3.05%
Comcast Corp.
2.60%
Diversification
XDU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 153 total
31.65%
FDL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 99 total
50.88%
Characteristics
Compare
XDU
FDL
| Provider | iShares | First Trust |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA High Dividend Yield Index - USD | Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Other | Other |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.75% | 3.32% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 7, 2017 | September 29, 2016 |
Frequently asked questions about XDU and FDL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XDU or FDL?
As of October 29, 2026, XDU has returned 23.33% year to date, while FDL has returned 20.90%. XDU is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XDU or FDL?
As of October 29, 2026, XDU manages $352.44 M in assets, while FDL manages $12.75 M. XDU is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XDU and FDL managed?
XDU is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI USA High Dividend Yield Index - USD benchmark. FDL is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XDU and FDL emphasize?
XDU is most exposed to Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Industrials. FDL is most exposed to Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Utilities, and Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XDU or FDL?
Year to date, XDU has seen +$66.28 M in net flows, compared with +$0.81 M for FDL. XDU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XDU and FDL compare?
XDU has an expense ratio of 0.16%, while FDL has an expense ratio of 0.59%.
What are the top holdings of XDU and FDL?
XDU's largest holdings include Johnson & Johnson, ExxonMobil Holdings Corp., and Cisco Systems, Inc.. FDL's top holdings include Chevron Corp., Verizon Communications, Inc., and Pfizer Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XDU or FDL?
XDU holds 153 securities, while FDL holds 98. On holdings count, XDU is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XDU and FDL
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