FNX vs VYM
FNX vs VYM
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FNX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 451 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.76% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.36% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.21% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FNX vs VYM Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNX returned +27.36% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, FNX is up 15.76% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, FNX compounded at +15.21% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FNX has the edge at +9.00% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -57.6% for FNX and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNX charges 0.62% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $4 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNX currently yields 0.83% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FNX and VYM share 142 holdings out of 865 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FNX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF | 0.41% | 0.07% | 0.34% |
| OVV | 0.41% | 0.06% | 0.35% |
| PR | 0.40% | 0.06% | 0.34% |
| DINO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MTDR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NFG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UGI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FNX shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNX or VYM?
FNX has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNX or VYM?
Over the past year FNX returned +27.36% vs +25.99% for VYM, so FNX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FNX annualized +9.00% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNX or VYM?
FNX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FNX -57.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FNX and VYM?
FNX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNX and VYM?
FNX and VYM share 142 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNX or VYM?
FNX yields 0.83% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.