ABLS vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricABLSVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.04%
AUM$480,507.06$81.6B
Dividend Yield0.96%2.24%
Holdings49616
YTD Return+18.69%+16.42%
1Y Return+14.23%+24.22%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.03%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)17.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-19.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAbacus FCF AdvisorsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 18, 2025Nov 10, 2006

ABLS vs VYM Performance

Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) is a ETF from Abacus FCF Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ABLS returned +14.23% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, ABLS is up 18.69% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ABLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -19.3% for ABLS 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ABLS 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, ABLS currently yields 0.96% against 2.24% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

ABLS and VYM share 5 holdings out of 645 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ABLSWeight in VYMDifference
APAM3.81%0.01%3.80%
KTB3.17%0.02%3.15%
CNS2.36%0.01%2.35%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ABLS or VYM?

ABLS 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, ABLS or VYM?

Over the past year ABLS returned +14.23% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ABLS annualized +4.94% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ABLS or VYM?

ABLS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ABLS -19.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ABLS and VYM?

ABLS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ABLS and VYM?

ABLS and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 645 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ABLS or VYM?

ABLS yields 0.96% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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