FBZ vs VYM
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FBZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.43% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 79.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FBZ vs VYM Performance
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund (FBZ) 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 FBZ returned +6.54% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, FBZ is up 27.43% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, FBZ compounded at +13.18% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.84% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 79.6% 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 -87.5% for FBZ 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBZ charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBZ currently yields 3.73% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBZ or VYM?
FBZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBZ or VYM?
Over the past year FBZ returned +6.54% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FBZ annualized -0.89% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBZ or VYM?
FBZ has been the more volatile fund at 79.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FBZ -87.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FBZ and VYM?
FBZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBZ or VYM?
FBZ yields 3.73% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FBZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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