Franklin US Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF (UDIV) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UDIV returned +27.25% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, UDIV is up 17.46% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, UDIV compounded at +23.60% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.52% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, UDIV has the edge at +10.36% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.4% for UDIV. 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 -35.5% for UDIV 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.

UDIV charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UDIV currently yields 1.49% against 2.86% for VYM.