AFMC vs VYM
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $205M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.56% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.43% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.18% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AFMC vs VYM Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFMC returned +25.43% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, AFMC is up 17.56% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +19.82% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.18% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFMC has the edge at +12.18% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and VYM share 97 holdings out of 768 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFMC or VYM?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or VYM?
Over the past year AFMC returned +25.43% vs +22.16% for VYM, so AFMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.18% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or VYM?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AFMC and VYM?
AFMC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 AFMC and VYM?
AFMC and VYM share 97 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 768 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or VYM?
AFMC yields 0.70% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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