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Compare iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (XHD) vs First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XHD provides Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Energy exposures, while FDL is primarily weighted in Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Finance, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, XHD features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.15% for FDL. Performance-wise, XHD has returned 19.66% year-to-date with +$30 M in net flows, whereas FDL is at 17.61% 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
XHD
FDL
| AuM | $252.81 M | $12.52 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.59% |
| Tracking Difference | 0.15% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 10, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XHD | +0.22% | +5.62% | +19.66% | +20.22% | +47.51% |
FDL | +0.06% | +3.21% | +17.61% | +20.39% | +57.64% | |
| Flows | XHD | +$15 M | +$17 M | +$30 M | +$18 M | -$4 M |
FDL | +$0 M | +$0 M | +$1 M | +$1 M | -$0 M |
XHD vs FDL exposure
Countries
XHD
USA
97.92%
FDL
USA
93.05%
Sectors
XHD
Healthcare
24.00%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
23.63%
Energy
20.70%
Utilities
7.65%
Other
24.02%
FDL
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
23.44%
Finance
13.86%
Utilities
13.53%
Healthcare
12.35%
Energy
12.26%
Telecommunications
10.78%
Other
13.78%
As of September 10, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XHD
ExxonMobil Holdings Corp.
7.96%
AbbVie, Inc.
6.33%
Chevron Corp.
5.99%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
5.43%
Procter & Gamble Co.
4.50%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
4.47%
The Home Depot, Inc.
4.47%
Pfizer Inc.
4.25%
The Coca-Cola Co.
4.13%
Merck & Co., Inc.
3.98%
FDL
Chevron Corp.
8.49%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
7.67%
Pfizer Inc.
6.28%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
5.91%
PepsiCo, Inc.
4.67%
Altria Group, Inc.
3.97%
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
3.59%
Comcast Corp.
3.11%
United Parcel Service, Inc.
2.77%
Blackstone, Inc.
2.55%
Diversification
XHD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
51.52%
FDL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 100 total
49.01%
Characteristics
Compare
XHD
FDL
| Provider | iShares | First Trust |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Return Index - CAD Hedged | Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.26% | 3.18% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 14, 2012 | September 29, 2016 |
Frequently asked questions about XHD and FDL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XHD or FDL?
As of September 10, 2026, XHD has returned 19.66% year to date, while FDL has returned 17.61%. XHD is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XHD or FDL?
As of September 10, 2026, XHD manages $252.81 M in assets, while FDL manages $12.52 M. XHD is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XHD and FDL managed?
XHD is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Return Index - CAD Hedged benchmark. FDL is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XHD and FDL emphasize?
XHD is most exposed to Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Energy. FDL is most exposed to Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Finance, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XHD or FDL?
Year to date, XHD has seen +$30.32 M in net flows, compared with +$0.81 M for FDL. XHD has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XHD and FDL compare?
XHD has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while FDL has an expense ratio of 0.59%.
What are the top holdings of XHD and FDL?
XHD's largest holdings include ExxonMobil Holdings Corp., AbbVie, Inc., and Chevron Corp.. FDL's top holdings include Chevron Corp., Verizon Communications, Inc., and Pfizer Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XHD or FDL?
XHD holds 75 securities, while FDL holds 99. On holdings count, FDL is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XHD and FDL
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