USFI vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUSFIVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.04%
AUM$10M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.25%2.86%
Holdings59568
YTD Return+0.78%+15.80%
1Y Return+3.11%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.06%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)7.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-8.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyFranklin Templeton Investments (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 25, 2023Nov 10, 2006

USFI vs VYM Performance

BrandywineGLOBAL - US Fixed Income ETF (USFI) 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 USFI returned +3.11% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, USFI is up 0.78% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, USFI compounded at +4.06% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.84%. 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 7.2% for USFI. 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 -8.5% for USFI 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

USFI charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USFI currently yields 4.25% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

USFI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 600 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, USFI or VYM?

USFI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.

Which performed better, USFI or VYM?

Over the past year USFI returned +3.11% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USFI annualized +3.84% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, USFI or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.2% for USFI. Worst drawdown: USFI -8.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both USFI and VYM?

USFI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between USFI and VYM?

USFI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, USFI or VYM?

USFI yields 4.25% while VYM yields 2.86%, so USFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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