AFSC vs VYM
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.83% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AFSC vs VYM Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFSC returned +33.90% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, AFSC is up 27.83% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -21.7% for AFSC 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC 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, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and VYM share 6 holdings out of 641 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSC or VYM?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or VYM?
Over the past year AFSC returned +33.90% vs +23.85% for VYM, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +20.58% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or VYM?
AFSC has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AFSC and VYM?
AFSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and VYM?
AFSC and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or VYM?
AFSC yields 0.06% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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