FPX vs VYM
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.09% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.47% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.90% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.18% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FPX vs VYM Performance
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) 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 FPX returned +27.47% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FPX is up 16.09% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FPX compounded at +30.90% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.18% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FPX has the edge at +11.84% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -56.4% for FPX 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPX charges 0.57% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $4 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPX currently yields 0.48% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FPX and VYM share 14 holdings out of 689 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPX or VYM?
FPX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPX or VYM?
Over the past year FPX returned +27.47% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FPX annualized +11.84% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPX or VYM?
FPX has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FPX -56.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FPX and VYM?
FPX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPX and VYM?
FPX and VYM share 14 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 689 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPX or VYM?
FPX yields 0.48% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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