FDTS vs VYM
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.82% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.51% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FDTS vs VYM Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +37.51% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FDTS is up 21.82% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.28% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FDTS has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1001 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDTS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.09% | 0.25% | 0.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or VYM?
FDTS 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, FDTS or VYM?
Over the past year FDTS returned +37.51% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.29% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or VYM?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FDTS and VYM?
FDTS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and VYM?
FDTS and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or VYM?
FDTS yields 2.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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