Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFSM returned +37.85% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, FFSM is up 21.92% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.

Over three years, FFSM compounded at +19.51% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.33% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FFSM has the edge at +12.49% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

FFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -26.6% for FFSM 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

FFSM charges 0.43% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $4 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFSM currently yields 0.43% against 2.86% for VYM.