FIXD vs VYM
FIXD vs VYM
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income 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 | FIXD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 446 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.70% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.49% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.71% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.00% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FIXD vs VYM Performance
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD) 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 FIXD returned +2.49% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, FIXD is down 0.70% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, FIXD compounded at +3.71% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.00% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +0.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.8% for FIXD. 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 -21.8% for FIXD 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
FIXD charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIXD currently yields 4.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FIXD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 879 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, FIXD or VYM?
FIXD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIXD or VYM?
Over the past year FIXD returned +2.49% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FIXD annualized +0.44% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIXD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.8% for FIXD. Worst drawdown: FIXD -21.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FIXD and VYM?
FIXD 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 FIXD and VYM?
FIXD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIXD or VYM?
FIXD yields 4.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FIXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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