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Compare iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (XHU) vs First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XHU provides Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Energy, and Healthcare exposures, while FDL is primarily weighted in Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Utilities, and Finance. When evaluating costs, XHU features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.15% for FDL. Performance-wise, XHU has returned 30.79% year-to-date with +$15 M in net flows, whereas FDL is at 22.4% 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
XHU
FDL
| AuM | $209.26 M | $12.91 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.59% |
| Tracking Difference | 0.15% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of November 5, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XHU | +6.35% | +7.00% | +30.79% | +31.45% | +74.13% |
FDL | +9.60% | +4.63% | +22.40% | +28.76% | +69.73% | |
| Flows | XHU | +$4 M | -$12 M | +$15 M | +$15 M | -$61 M |
FDL | +$0 M | +$0 M | +$1 M | +$1 M | -$1 M |
XHU vs FDL exposure
Countries
XHU
USA
96.58%
FDL
USA
91.33%
Other
8.67%
Sectors
XHU
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
26.21%
Energy
22.99%
Healthcare
13.48%
Utilities
10.83%
Other
26.49%
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 November 5, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XHU
ExxonMobil Holdings Corp.
9.28%
Chevron Corp.
6.99%
AbbVie, Inc.
6.70%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
5.78%
Procter & Gamble Co.
5.39%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
5.14%
The Home Depot, Inc.
4.42%
The Coca-Cola Co.
4.35%
PepsiCo, Inc.
4.00%
Altria Group, Inc.
3.72%
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
XHU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 74 total
55.78%
FDL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 99 total
50.88%
Characteristics
Compare
XHU
FDL
| Provider | iShares | First Trust |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Total Return Index - CAD | Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Other |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.14% | 3.28% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 10, 2015 | September 29, 2016 |
Frequently asked questions about XHU and FDL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XHU or FDL?
As of November 5, 2026, XHU has returned 30.79% year to date, while FDL has returned 22.40%. XHU is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XHU or FDL?
As of November 5, 2026, XHU manages $209.26 M in assets, while FDL manages $12.91 M. XHU is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XHU and FDL managed?
XHU is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. FDL is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Total Return Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XHU and FDL emphasize?
XHU is most exposed to Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Energy, and Healthcare. FDL is most exposed to Consumer Non-Cyclicals, Utilities, and Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XHU or FDL?
Year to date, XHU has seen +$14.65 M in net flows, compared with +$0.81 M for FDL. XHU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XHU and FDL compare?
XHU has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while FDL has an expense ratio of 0.59%.
What are the top holdings of XHU and FDL?
XHU's largest holdings include ExxonMobil Holdings Corp., Chevron Corp., and AbbVie, Inc.. FDL's top holdings include Chevron Corp., Verizon Communications, Inc., and Pfizer Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XHU or FDL?
XHU holds 74 securities, while FDL holds 98. On holdings count, FDL is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XHU and FDL
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