FTA vs VYM
FTA vs VYM
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FTA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.43% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.71% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.04% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FTA vs VYM Performance
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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 FTA returned +31.71% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FTA is up 18.43% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FTA compounded at +16.04% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FTA has the edge at +7.18% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -63.8% for FTA 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTA charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTA currently yields 1.67% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FTA and VYM share 119 holdings out of 626 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 0.79% | 2.83% | 2.04% |
| CVX | 0.81% | 1.53% | 0.72% |
| PG | 0.35% | 1.72% | 1.37% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTA 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, FTA or VYM?
FTA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTA or VYM?
Over the past year FTA returned +31.71% vs +26.12% for VYM, so FTA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FTA annualized +7.18% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTA or VYM?
FTA has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FTA -63.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FTA and VYM?
FTA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTA and VYM?
FTA and VYM share 119 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTA or VYM?
FTA yields 1.67% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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