FTGC vs VYM
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +30.15% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.37% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.39% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.64% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FTGC vs VYM Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +42.37% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FTGC is up 30.15% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +16.39% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.64% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.26%. 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 13.5% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $4 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGC or VYM?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or VYM?
Over the past year FTGC returned +42.37% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.26% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FTGC and VYM?
FTGC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGC and VYM?
FTGC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or VYM?
FTGC yields 15.26% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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