FAS vs VYM
FAS vs VYM
Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X 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 | FAS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.50% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.22% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.61% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.63% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.53% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FAS vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X ETF (FAS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FAS returned +25.61% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, FAS is up 9.22% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, FAS compounded at +41.63% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.53% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, FAS has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.6% 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 -94.8% for FAS 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAS charges 0.88% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $4 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAS currently yields 9.50% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FAS and VYM share 43 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 8.13% | 3.36% | 4.77% |
| BAC | 3.48% | 1.39% | 2.09% |
| GS | 2.77% | 1.05% | 1.72% |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BLK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PGR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PNC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAS 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, FAS or VYM?
FAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAS or VYM?
Over the past year FAS returned +25.61% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), FAS annualized +11.11% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAS or VYM?
FAS has been the more volatile fund at 57.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FAS -94.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FAS and VYM?
FAS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAS and VYM?
FAS and VYM share 43 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAS or VYM?
FAS yields 9.50% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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