AFIX vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAFIXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.04%
AUM$217M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.03%2.86%
Holdings561568
YTD Return-0.45%+13.24%
1Y Return+2.94%+23.76%
3Y Return (annualized)-+16.97%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.26%
Volatility (annualized)3.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-3.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllspring Global InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 4, 2024Nov 10, 2006

AFIX vs VYM Performance

Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFIX returned +2.94% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, AFIX is down 0.45% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.6% for AFIX. 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 -3.3% for AFIX 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AFIX charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFIX currently yields 5.03% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

AFIX and VYM share 1 holdings out of 936 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AFIXWeight in VYMDifference
T0.06%0.85%0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AFIX or VYM?

AFIX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AFIX or VYM?

Over the past year AFIX returned +2.94% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFIX annualized +3.10% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AFIX or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.6% for AFIX. Worst drawdown: AFIX -3.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AFIX and VYM?

AFIX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AFIX and VYM?

AFIX and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 936 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AFIX or VYM?

AFIX yields 5.03% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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