FDD vs VYM
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $918M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +19.76% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.98% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.83% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FDD vs VYM Performance
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) 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 FDD returned +32.98% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FDD is up 19.76% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FDD compounded at +29.83% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -46.5% for FDD 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDD charges 0.56% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $4 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDD currently yields 5.03% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FDD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 633 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, FDD or VYM?
FDD has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDD or VYM?
Over the past year FDD returned +32.98% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), FDD annualized +4.31% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDD or VYM?
FDD has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FDD -46.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FDD and VYM?
FDD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDD and VYM?
FDD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 633 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDD or VYM?
FDD yields 5.03% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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