FFA vs VYM
First Trust Enhanced Equity Income 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 | FFA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $521M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.19% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.66% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.75% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.89% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.76% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FFA vs VYM Performance
First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund (FFA) 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 FFA returned +19.75% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FFA is up 11.66% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FFA compounded at +17.89% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.76% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +2.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -67.6% for FFA 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFA charges 1.13% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $4 annually, a gap of $109 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFA currently yields 6.19% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FFA and VYM share 33 holdings out of 631 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFA or VYM?
FFA has an expense ratio of 1.13% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFA or VYM?
Over the past year FFA returned +19.75% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FFA annualized +2.55% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFA or VYM?
FFA has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FFA -67.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FFA and VYM?
FFA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFA and VYM?
FFA and VYM share 33 common holdings with a 29.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 631 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFA or VYM?
FFA yields 6.19% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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