FID vs VYM
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FID delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FID | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $172M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.06% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 165 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.13% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.66% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FID vs VYM Performance
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +23.13% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, FID is up 14.29% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, FID compounded at +19.53% per year against +18.16% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.66% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.99% annualized vs +6.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FID 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 -39.8% for FID 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FID charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 4.06% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FID and VYM share 0 holdings out of 677 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, FID or VYM?
FID has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FID or VYM?
Over the past year FID returned +23.13% vs +21.08% for VYM, so FID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FID annualized +6.60% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FID or VYM?
FID has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FID -39.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FID and VYM?
FID and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FID and VYM?
FID and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FID or VYM?
FID yields 4.06% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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