VFVA vs VYM
VFVA vs VYM
Vanguard US Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VFVA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFVA offers more diversification with 636 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VFVA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $845M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.56% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 639 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.16% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.25% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VFVA vs VYM Performance
Vanguard US Value Factor ETF (VFVA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFVA returned +36.25% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, VFVA is up 20.16% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, VFVA compounded at +16.69% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.45% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFVA has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFVA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -48.6% for VFVA 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFVA charges 0.13% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $4 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFVA currently yields 2.56% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VFVA and VYM share 238 holdings out of 956 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VFVA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM:US | 0.07% | 3.36% | 3.29% |
| XOM | 0.04% | 2.83% | 2.79% |
| JNJ | 0.15% | 2.62% | 2.47% |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VFVA 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, VFVA or VYM?
VFVA has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFVA or VYM?
Over the past year VFVA returned +36.25% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VFVA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VFVA annualized +11.31% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFVA or VYM?
VFVA has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VFVA -48.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VFVA and VYM?
VFVA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VFVA and VYM?
VFVA and VYM share 238 common holdings with a 24.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFVA or VYM?
VFVA yields 2.56% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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