AFIF 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

MetricAFIFVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.08%0.04%
AUM$276M$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.73%2.86%
Holdings317568
YTD Return+1.22%+16.16%
1Y Return+3.51%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.62%+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.62%+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)2.8%14.6%
Max Drawdown-11.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyHorizon FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionSep 18, 2018Nov 10, 2006

AFIF vs VYM Performance

Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF (AFIF) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFIF returned +3.51% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, AFIF is up 1.22% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Over three years, AFIF compounded at +6.62% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +1.96%. 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 2.8% for AFIF. 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 -11.3% for AFIF 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AFIF charges 1.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $4 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFIF currently yields 3.73% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.8%overlap

AFIF and VYM share 2 holdings out of 645 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AFIFWeight in VYMDifference
DUK1.04%0.45%0.59%
C0.32%0.81%0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AFIF or VYM?

AFIF has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AFIF or VYM?

Over the past year AFIF returned +3.51% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), AFIF annualized +1.96% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AFIF or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.8% for AFIF. Worst drawdown: AFIF -11.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AFIF and VYM?

AFIF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AFIF and VYM?

AFIF and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 645 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AFIF or VYM?

AFIF yields 3.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AFIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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