FGSI vs VYM
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGSI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.18% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.60% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FGSI vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +14.60% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, FGSI is up 12.18% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.0% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSI currently yields 7.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and VYM share 15 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or VYM?
FGSI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSI or VYM?
Over the past year FGSI returned +14.60% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +14.32% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.0% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FGSI and VYM?
FGSI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and VYM?
FGSI and VYM share 15 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or VYM?
FGSI yields 7.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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