FPX vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FPX (First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FPX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the IPOX-100 U.S. Index, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FPX returned 14.99%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for VYMI. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FPX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

FPX vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPX achieves a 17.68% return, which is significantly higher than VYMI's 12.90% return. Over the past 10 years, FPX has outperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 14.99%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively lower 11.24% annualized return.

FPX

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 2.85%
• YTD: 17.68%
• 6M: 15.20%
• 1Y: 38.72%
• 3Y*: 30.19%
• 5Y*: 9.62%
• 10Y*: 14.99%

VYMI

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FPX vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FPX First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF	17.68%	37.62%	24.75%	22.26%	-35.11%	3.69%	47.89%	30.37%	-8.35%	27.03%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	12.90%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FPX and VYMI is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.59

The correlation between FPX and VYMI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

FPX vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPX	VYMI
Technology	29.8%	4.3%
Industrials	20.0%	6.6%
Healthcare	16.1%	6.6%
Communication Services	7.0%	4.0%
Utilities	6.5%	5.6%
Energy	4.4%	9.5%
Real Estate	4.2%	1.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	6.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	6.8%
Financial Services	3.0%	41.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	7.0%

Return for Risk

FPX vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FPX

FPX Risk / Return Rank: 58
FPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FPX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FPX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 76
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FPX vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FPX	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.26	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	3.08	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.41	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	2.96	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.10	11.60	-1.50

FPX vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPX and VYMI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FPX vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPX drawdown since its inception was -56.29%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPX and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPX	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.29%	-40.00%	-16.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.28%	-10.14%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.88%	-12.84%	-18.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.14%	-24.05%	-19.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.14%	-40.00%	-3.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	0.00%	-1.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.33%	-6.30%	-5.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	2.59%	+1.26%

Volatility

FPX vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) has a higher volatility of 8.02% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 4.40%. This indicates that FPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPX	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.02%	4.40%	+3.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.09%	11.15%	+6.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.90%	13.33%	+10.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.62%	14.90%	+11.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.36%	16.85%	+7.51%

FPX vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPX vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

FPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than VYMI's 3.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPX First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF	0.49%	0.53%	0.09%	0.27%	1.08%	0.14%	0.28%	0.67%	0.88%	0.68%	0.77%	0.62%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.39%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPX and VYMI in my portfolio?

FPX and VYMI have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPX or VYMI?

FPX has higher volatility (8.02%) compared to VYMI (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPX dropped -56.29% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, FPX or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, FPX leads with 14.99% vs 11.24% for VYMI. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPX or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, FPX has performed better with a 14.99% return vs 11.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPX or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FPX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPX or VYMI?

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.39%, compared with 0.49% for FPX.

What is the main difference between FPX and VYMI?

FPX is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VYMI is Dividend. FPX tracks IPOX-100 U.S. Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FPX and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.63), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.