FYX vs VYM
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.04% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.99% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FYX vs VYM Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +40.99% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, FYX is up 27.04% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.40% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.49% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FYX has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and VYM share 124 holdings out of 988 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYX or VYM?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or VYM?
Over the past year FYX returned +40.99% vs +23.48% for VYM, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FYX annualized +8.86% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or VYM?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FYX and VYM?
FYX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and VYM?
FYX and VYM share 124 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 988 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or VYM?
FYX yields 0.90% while VYM yields 2.24%, 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.