FAPR vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FAPR or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAPR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 10 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +6.56% | +11.71%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.36% | +16.24%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.76% | +17.24%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.52% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,050 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2021 to Sep 16, 2026 (5.4 years).
FAPR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
FAPR vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FAPR returned +9.36% while VYM returned +16.24%. Year to date, FAPR is up 6.56% versus a gain of 11.71% for VYM.
Over three years, FAPR compounded at +12.76% per year against +17.24% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.52% and +11.86% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 9.0% for FAPR. 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 -16.0% for FAPR and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAPR 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, FAPR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAPR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAPR or VYM?
FAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $81 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FAPR or VYM?
Over the past year FAPR returned +9.36% vs +16.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAPR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 9.0% for FAPR. Worst drawdown: FAPR -16.0% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both FAPR and VYM?
FAPR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAPR or VYM?
FAPR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FAPR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.