AFGR vs VYM
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, AFGR or VYM?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFGR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $92M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 74 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +5.24% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.92% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62%Best | +17.42% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +12.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 13.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,119 | $17,718Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 47.2% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 22, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.2 years).
AFGR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
AFGR vs VYM Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, AFGR is up 5.24% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.62% per year against +17.42% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +12.12% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +14.37% annualized vs +10.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 13.8% 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 -46.0% for AFGR and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFGR charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
17.8% of AFGR's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 16.4% of VYM's money is in holdings AFGR also owns.
AFGR and VYM share little of their money.
16 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 557 in VYM, against full books of 74 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 73 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 512 positions AFGR does not, 80.7% of the fund.
Largest: JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, ABBV 1.80%, BAC 1.66%, UNH 1.52%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFGR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 3.73% | 7.35% | 3.62% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 2.17% | 2.51% | 0.34% |
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 1.55% | 1.86% | 0.31% |
| PGRProgressive Corporation | 1.27% | 0.50% | 0.77% |
| ADIAnalog Devices, Inc. | 0.90% | 0.73% | 0.17% |
| NTAPNetapp Inc | 1.31% | 0.14% | 1.17% |
| ORCLOracle Corp - Common | 0.45% | 0.90% | 0.45% |
| FASTFastenal Co. | 1.10% | 0.22% | 0.88% |
| TRGPTarga Resources Corp Preferred | 1.04% | 0.23% | 0.81% |
| CLColgate-Palmolive Co | 0.97% | 0.29% | 0.68% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AFGR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or VYM?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $61 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFGR or VYM?
Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% vs +16.61% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +10.66% vs +14.37% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFGR or VYM?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 13.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both AFGR and VYM?
AFGR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFGR and VYM?
17.8% of AFGR's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 16.4% of VYM's is in holdings AFGR also owns. They hold 16 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or VYM?
AFGR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than AFGR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.