CAFX vs VYM
CAFX vs VYM
Congress Intermediate Bond 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 | CAFX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $321M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.03% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Congress Asset Management Company | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CAFX vs VYM Performance
Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) is a ETF from Congress Asset Management Company and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, CAFX is down 0.03% 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 2.6% for CAFX. 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 -2.6% for CAFX 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFX charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFX currently yields 4.38% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CAFX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 598 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAFX or VYM?
CAFX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFX or VYM?
Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAFX annualized +2.43% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.6% for CAFX. Worst drawdown: CAFX -2.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CAFX and VYM?
CAFX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFX and VYM?
CAFX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFX or VYM?
CAFX yields 4.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so CAFX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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