FXO vs VYM
First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FXO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.24% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.21% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.87% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.41% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FXO vs VYM Performance
First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund (FXO) 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 FXO returned +19.21% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, FXO is up 10.24% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, FXO compounded at +20.87% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.41% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXO has the edge at +7.12% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -72.2% for FXO 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXO 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, FXO currently yields 2.21% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FXO and VYM share 64 holdings out of 598 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXO or VYM?
FXO 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, FXO or VYM?
Over the past year FXO returned +19.21% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXO annualized +7.12% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXO or VYM?
FXO has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FXO -72.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FXO and VYM?
FXO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXO and VYM?
FXO and VYM share 64 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXO or VYM?
FXO yields 2.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.