FPE vs VYM
First Trust Preferred Securities and 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.89% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 260 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.74% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.82% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.35% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.63% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 11, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FPE vs VYM Performance
First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPE) 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 FPE returned +3.82% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FPE is up 0.74% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FPE compounded at +9.35% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.63% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.4% for FPE. 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 -34.8% for FPE 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
FPE 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, FPE currently yields 5.89% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FPE and VYM share 3 holdings out of 801 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPE or VYM?
FPE 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, FPE or VYM?
Over the past year FPE returned +3.82% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FPE annualized +1.36% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPE or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.4% for FPE. Worst drawdown: FPE -34.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FPE and VYM?
FPE 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 FPE and VYM?
FPE and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPE or VYM?
FPE yields 5.89% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FPE 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.