FPA vs VYM
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $111M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +30.49% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.84% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.31% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FPA vs VYM Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.84% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, FPA is up 30.49% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.31% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.52% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +4.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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
FPA 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, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and VYM share 1 holdings out of 701 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FPA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCI | 0.24% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPA or VYM?
FPA 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, FPA or VYM?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.84% vs +23.48% for VYM, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.55% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or VYM?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FPA and VYM?
FPA 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 FPA and VYM?
FPA and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 701 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or VYM?
FPA yields 3.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FPA 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.