FEUZ vs VYM
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF 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 | FEUZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $134M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.25% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.05% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.48% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.37% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FEUZ vs VYM Performance
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) 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 FEUZ returned +19.05% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, FEUZ is up 11.25% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, FEUZ compounded at +23.48% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.37% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FEUZ has the edge at +8.35% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -50.1% for FEUZ 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEUZ 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, FEUZ currently yields 2.65% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FEUZ and VYM share 1 holdings out of 752 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FEUZ | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.54% | 1.32% | 0.78% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEUZ or VYM?
FEUZ 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, FEUZ or VYM?
Over the past year FEUZ returned +19.05% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FEUZ annualized +8.35% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEUZ or VYM?
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FEUZ -50.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FEUZ and VYM?
FEUZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEUZ and VYM?
FEUZ and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 752 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEUZ or VYM?
FEUZ yields 2.65% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FEUZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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