AFLG vs VYM
AFLG vs VYM
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFLG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $702M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 219 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.26% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.44% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.63% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.86% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AFLG vs VYM Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) 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 AFLG returned +23.44% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, AFLG is up 15.26% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +21.63% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.86% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +14.00% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -35.8% for AFLG 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFLG currently yields 0.70% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AFLG and VYM share 96 holdings out of 677 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFLG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.69% | 6.47% | 3.78% |
| XOM | 1.01% | 2.83% | 1.82% |
| JNJ | 0.62% | 2.62% | 2.00% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AFLG shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFLG or VYM?
AFLG has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFLG or VYM?
Over the past year AFLG returned +23.44% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +14.00% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFLG or VYM?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AFLG and VYM?
AFLG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AFLG and VYM?
AFLG and VYM share 96 common holdings with a 22.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or VYM?
AFLG yields 0.70% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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