FNY vs VYM
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $600M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.99% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.18% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.49% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FNY vs VYM Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +26.18% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FNY is up 15.99% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +19.49% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.35% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.71% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $4 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and VYM share 27 holdings out of 801 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or VYM?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or VYM?
Over the past year FNY returned +26.18% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.71% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or VYM?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FNY and VYM?
FNY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and VYM?
FNY and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or VYM?
FNY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.