FTSL vs. VYM
FTSL (First Trust Senior Loan Fund) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTSL is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. FTSL is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTSL returned 4.44%/yr vs 11.95%/yr for VYM. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTSL charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.
Performance
FTSL vs. VYM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FTSL achieves a 0.51% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.37% return. Over the past 10 years, FTSL has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 4.44%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.95% annualized return.
FTSL
- 1D
- -0.04%
- 1M
- -0.10%
- YTD
- 0.51%
- 6M
- 0.66%
- 1Y
- 4.27%
- 3Y*
- 7.06%
- 5Y*
- 4.95%
- 10Y*
- 4.44%
VYM
- 1D
- 0.80%
- 1M
- 1.97%
- YTD
- 12.37%
- 6M
- 11.19%
- 1Y
- 25.94%
- 3Y*
- 18.06%
- 5Y*
- 11.59%
- 10Y*
- 11.95%
FTSL vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund | 0.51% | 5.98% | 8.27% | 11.58% | -2.50% | 3.94% | 2.99% | 10.11% | -1.30% | 2.59% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 12.37% | 15.42% | 17.60% | 6.57% | -0.43% | 26.20% | 1.15% | 24.06% | -5.92% | 16.42% |
Correlation
The correlation between FTSL and VYM is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.45 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.46 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.38 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2013 | 0.33 |
The correlation between FTSL and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.33 (all time) to 0.46 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FTSL vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank
FTSL
VYM
FTSL vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.
| FTSL | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.33 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.19 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.47 | 1.42 | +0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.85 | 3.70 | -1.85 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.88 | 13.81 | -6.93 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FTSL vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FTSL drawdown since its inception was -22.67%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTSL and VYM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FTSL | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.67% | -56.98% | +34.31% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.33% | -6.69% | +4.36% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -2.66% | -14.46% | +11.80% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -6.96% | -15.84% | +8.88% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -22.67% | -35.21% | +12.54% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.14% | -0.52% | +0.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.76% | -7.18% | +6.42% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.63% | 1.80% | -1.17% |
Volatility
FTSL vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) is 0.36%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a volatility of 3.31%. This indicates that FTSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FTSL | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.36% | 3.31% | -2.95% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.95% | 7.81% | -5.86% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.11% | 10.47% | -8.36% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.35% | 13.99% | -10.64% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.18% | 16.35% | -11.17% |
FTSL vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison
FTSL has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.
Dividends
FTSL vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison
FTSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.47%, more than VYM's 2.19% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund | 6.47% | 6.59% | 7.56% | 7.59% | 4.77% | 3.17% | 3.48% | 4.44% | 4.29% | 3.64% | 3.70% | 3.95% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 2.19% | 2.44% | 2.74% | 3.12% | 3.01% | 2.76% | 3.18% | 3.03% | 3.40% | 2.80% | 2.91% | 3.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FTSL and VYM have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VYM has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to FTSL (0.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTSL dropped -22.67% vs VYM's -56.98%.
On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.95% vs 4.44% for FTSL. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, FTSL has been the lower-risk option at 0.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.95% return vs 4.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for FTSL.
FTSL has the higher dividend yield at 6.47%, compared with 2.19% for VYM.
FTSL is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while VYM is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for FTSL and 0.04% for VYM.
VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.04), 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.
Find the right allocation for FTSL and VYM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer