FTDS vs VYM
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FTDS or VYM?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTDS is less concentrated, with 22.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTDS | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $40M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 102 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +17.14%Best | +14.82% |
| 1Y Return | +20.77% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.34% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.19% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,823 | $17,845Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.2%Best | 25.9% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 7, 2006 to Sep 4, 2026 (19.7 years).
FTDS vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.7 years both funds cover.
FTDS vs VYM Performance
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTDS returned +20.77% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, FTDS is up 17.14% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, FTDS compounded at +17.34% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.19% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +6.82%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -54.7% for FTDS and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTDS charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTDS currently yields 1.53% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
91.8% of FTDS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 6.0% of VYM's money is in holdings FTDS also owns.
Most of FTDS is already inside VYM. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
46 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTDS and 603 in VYM, against full books of 102 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 524 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for FTDS (91.4% of the fund), and 3 for FTDS that do not appear in VYM (6.1%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTDS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCOMQualcomm Inc. | 1.78% | 0.81% | 0.97% |
| GRMNGarminltd. | 2.36% | 0.16% | 2.20% |
| CTSHCognizant Technology Solutions Corp. Class A | 2.42% | 0.08% | 2.34% |
| ALLEAllegion Plc | 2.39% | 0.05% | 2.34% |
| GDGeneral Dynamics Corp. | 2.03% | 0.38% | 1.65% |
| ELVElevance Health Inc | 2.04% | 0.34% | 1.70% |
| BKRBaker Hughes Co | 2.14% | 0.23% | 1.91% |
| NOCNorthrop Grumman Corp. | 2.08% | 0.28% | 1.80% |
| DGXQuest Diagnostics Inc | 2.18% | 0.10% | 2.08% |
| NSCNorfolk Southern Corp | 1.95% | 0.29% | 1.66% |
91.8% of FTDS is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTDS or VYM?
FTDS has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $66 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTDS or VYM?
Over the past year FTDS returned +20.77% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTDS annualized +6.82% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTDS or VYM?
FTDS has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FTDS -54.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FTDS and VYM?
FTDS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FTDS and VYM?
91.8% of FTDS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 6.0% of VYM's is in holdings FTDS also owns. They hold 46 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTDS and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTDS or VYM?
FTDS yields 1.53% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FTDS?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTDS is less concentrated, with 22.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.