FTGS vs VYM
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FTGS or VYM?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FTGS led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y. FTGS is less concentrated, with 21.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.8%.
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 | FTGS | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $95.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 2.23% |
| Holdings | 153 | 610 |
| YTD Return | +7.36% | +15.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.72% | +19.62%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.95% | +19.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 11.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 4 years | $18,771Best | $17,581 |
| Top 10 Weight | 21.9%Best | 25.8% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 26, 2022 to Nov 13, 2026 (4 years).
FTGS 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 4 years both funds cover.
FTGS vs VYM Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +8.72% while VYM returned +19.62%. Year to date, FTGS is up 7.36% versus a gain of 15.95% for VYM.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +14.95% per year against +19.64% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +17.05% annualized vs +15.15%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 11.8% 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 -20.0% for FTGS and -14.5% 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS 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, FTGS currently yields 0.04% against 2.23% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
22.2% of FTGS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 9.5% of VYM's money is in holdings FTGS also owns.
FTGS and VYM share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 60 days apart, FTGS as of Oct 30, 2026 and VYM as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
11 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTGS and 602 in VYM, against full books of 153 and 610.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 565 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for FTGS (89.1% of the fund), and 38 for FTGS that do not appear in VYM (75.3%).
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 FTGS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 2.00% | 6.94% | 4.94% |
| BXBlackstone Group Inc/the Common Stock | 2.24% | 0.43% | 1.81% |
| GDGeneral Dynamics Corp. | 2.16% | 0.38% | 1.78% |
| NEMNewmont Corp. | 1.82% | 0.54% | 1.28% |
| BKRBaker Hughes A Ge Co. Class A | 2.01% | 0.25% | 1.76% |
| CINFCincinnati Financial Corp. | 2.13% | 0.10% | 2.03% |
| AMPAmeriprise Financial Inc. | 2.01% | 0.20% | 1.81% |
| CMICummins Inc. | 1.88% | 0.31% | 1.57% |
| GRMNGarmin Ltd Common Stock | 1.95% | 0.19% | 1.76% |
| RLRalph Lauren Corp. Class A | 2.08% | 0.05% | 2.03% |
22.2% of FTGS 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, FTGS or VYM?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $56 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTGS or VYM?
Over the past year FTGS returned +8.72% vs +19.62% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +17.05% vs +15.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTGS or VYM?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 11.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both FTGS and VYM?
FTGS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, 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 FTGS and VYM?
22.2% of FTGS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 9.5% of VYM's is in holdings FTGS also owns. They hold 11 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTGS and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or VYM?
FTGS yields 0.04% while VYM yields 2.23%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FTGS?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FTGS led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y. FTGS is less concentrated, with 21.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.8%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.