FCA vs VYM
First Trust China 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 | FCA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $32M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FCA vs VYM Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA 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, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 653 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCA or VYM?
FCA 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, FCA or VYM?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or VYM?
FCA has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FCA and VYM?
FCA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and VYM?
FCA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or VYM?
FCA yields 2.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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