FTSL vs VYM
First Trust Senior Loan Fund 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 | FTSL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.48% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 292 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.43% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.47% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FTSL vs VYM Performance
First Trust Senior Loan Fund ETF (FTSL) 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 FTSL returned +3.47% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FTSL is up 1.43% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FTSL compounded at +6.59% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.08% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.65%. 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 4.9% for FTSL. 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 -26.4% for FTSL 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTSL 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, FTSL currently yields 6.48% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FTSL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, FTSL or VYM?
FTSL has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTSL or VYM?
Over the past year FTSL returned +3.47% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTSL annualized +1.65% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTSL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.9% for FTSL. Worst drawdown: FTSL -26.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FTSL and VYM?
FTSL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTSL and VYM?
FTSL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTSL or VYM?
FTSL yields 6.48% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FTSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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