FRTY vs VYM
Alger Mid Cap 40 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $140M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.72% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.05% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.23% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.93% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alger | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FRTY vs VYM Performance
Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (FRTY) is a ETF from Alger and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRTY returned +15.05% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, FRTY is up 8.72% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, FRTY compounded at +23.23% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.93% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +3.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -53.1% for FRTY 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRTY charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRTY currently yields 0.17% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FRTY and VYM share 1 holdings out of 597 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 FRTY | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPR | 1.10% | 0.14% | 0.96% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRTY or VYM?
FRTY has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRTY or VYM?
Over the past year FRTY returned +15.05% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FRTY annualized +3.33% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRTY or VYM?
FRTY has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FRTY -53.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FRTY and VYM?
FRTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRTY and VYM?
FRTY and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRTY or VYM?
FRTY yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.86%, 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.