FDM vs VBR
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund compared with Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FDM
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
VBR
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- VBR yields more today: 1.78% vs 1.62% (forward).
- FDM has grown its payout faster: 15.7%/yr vs 9.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year FDM delivered the higher total return: +26.4% vs +19.2% (price change plus payouts).
- VBR is cheaper to own: 0.05% vs 0.60% expense ratio.
- VBR has the steadier distribution: consistency 88/100 vs 62/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FDM | VBR |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $93.70 | $244.64 |
| TTM yield | 1.33% | 1.77% |
| Forward yield | 1.62% | 1.78% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.516 | $4.36 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) | Sep 25, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% |
| 1-year payout growth | +25.3% | +5.0% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +15.7% | +9.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 62/100 | 88/100 |
| 1-year total return | +26.4% | +19.2% |
| 1-year price return | +24.8% | +17.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 267.0M | 68.3B |
| Years paying | 20.7 | 21.7 |
| Sector / category | Small Value | Small Value |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| FDM | VBR | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 106.7 | 40.9 |
| Income per year | $162 | $178 |
| Income per month (avg) | $13 | $15 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $0.379 | Est. |
| FDM Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $0.379 | Est. |
| FDM Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $0.379 | Est. |
| VBR Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $1.09 | Est. |
| VBR Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $1.09 | Est. |
| VBR Mar 26, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $1.09 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FDMVBR
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, FDM or VBR?
VBR currently has the higher trailing yield: FDM yields 1.33% and VBR yields 1.77%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FDM and VBR pay?
FDM pays every quarter and VBR pays every quarter. FDM's next ex-date is Sep 24, 2026 and VBR's is Sep 25, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FDM or VBR?
FDM has grown its payout faster: 15.7%/yr vs 9.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is FDM or VBR better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FDM and VBR differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.