FLN vs VYM
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $39M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.30% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLN vs VYM Performance
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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 FLN returned +27.27% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FLN is up 9.30% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FLN compounded at +13.40% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.1% 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 -67.7% for FLN 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLN 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, FLN currently yields 3.38% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLN and VYM share 1 holdings out of 653 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 FLN | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP | 3.05% | 0.11% | 2.94% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLN or VYM?
FLN 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, FLN or VYM?
Over the past year FLN returned +27.27% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLN annualized +0.22% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLN or VYM?
FLN has been the more volatile fund at 26.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FLN -67.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLN and VYM?
FLN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLN and VYM?
FLN and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLN or VYM?
FLN yields 3.38% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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