MFUS vs VYM
MFUS vs VYM
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MFUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFUS offers more diversification with 844 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $296M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 858 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.90% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.88% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.56% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MFUS vs VYM Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF (MFUS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFUS returned +26.88% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, MFUS is up 17.90% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, MFUS compounded at +20.56% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.49% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, MFUS has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -35.2% for MFUS 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFUS charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFUS currently yields 1.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MFUS and VYM share 351 holdings out of 1051 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFUS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.09% | 6.47% | 4.38% |
| WMT | 2.16% | 2.44% | 0.28% |
| XOM | 1.71% | 2.83% | 1.12% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MFUS 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, MFUS or VYM?
MFUS has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFUS or VYM?
Over the past year MFUS returned +26.88% vs +25.99% for VYM, so MFUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFUS annualized +12.81% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFUS or VYM?
MFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MFUS -35.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MFUS and VYM?
MFUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MFUS and VYM?
MFUS and VYM share 351 common holdings with a 45.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1051 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFUS or VYM?
MFUS yields 1.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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