HYGV vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYGV offers more diversification with 854 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: HYGV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHYGVVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.37%0.04%
AUM$1.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield7.38%2.86%
Holdings958568
YTD Return+1.85%+13.24%
1Y Return+5.54%+23.76%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.91%+16.97%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.41%+12.26%
Volatility (annualized)9.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-25.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyFlexshares TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 17, 2018Nov 10, 2006

HYGV vs VYM Performance

FlexShares High Yield Value-Scored Bond Index Fund (HYGV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYGV returned +5.54% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, HYGV is up 1.85% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.

Over three years, HYGV compounded at +7.91% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +2.36%. 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 9.1% for HYGV. 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 -25.9% for HYGV 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HYGV charges 0.37% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $4 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGV currently yields 7.38% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HYGV and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1412 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, HYGV or VYM?

HYGV has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HYGV or VYM?

Over the past year HYGV returned +5.54% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HYGV annualized +2.36% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HYGV or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.1% for HYGV. Worst drawdown: HYGV -25.9% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both HYGV and VYM?

HYGV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HYGV and VYM?

HYGV and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1412 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HYGV or VYM?

HYGV yields 7.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HYGV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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