FXL vs VYM
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +32.38% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.13% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.26% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FXL vs VYM Performance
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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 FXL returned +40.13% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FXL is up 32.38% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FXL compounded at +26.26% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.54% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXL has the edge at +13.65% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -61.4% for FXL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXL 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, FXL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FXL and VYM share 20 holdings out of 693 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXL or VYM?
FXL 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, FXL or VYM?
Over the past year FXL returned +40.13% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXL annualized +13.65% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXL or VYM?
FXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FXL -61.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FXL and VYM?
FXL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXL and VYM?
FXL and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 693 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXL or VYM?
FXL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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