FTKI vs VYM
FTKI vs VYM
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $25M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.99% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.96% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FTKI vs VYM Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +23.96% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.99% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and VYM share 22 holdings out of 680 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTKI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP:BM | 1.65% | 0.10% | 1.55% |
| STNG:MH | 1.69% | 0.02% | 1.67% |
| FCFS | 1.49% | 0.03% | 1.46% |
| YOU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AAP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RGA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UMBF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ZIM:IL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTKI 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, FTKI or VYM?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or VYM?
Over the past year FTKI returned +23.96% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.38% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FTKI and VYM?
FTKI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and VYM?
FTKI and VYM share 22 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 680 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or VYM?
FTKI yields 12.53% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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