AGQI vs VYM
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGQI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $54M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.25% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.03% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AGQI vs VYM Performance
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) 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 AGQI returned +22.03% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AGQI is up 14.25% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.5% for AGQI. 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 -14.1% for AGQI 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQI charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGQI currently yields 2.04% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AGQI and VYM share 9 holdings out of 581 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGQI or VYM?
AGQI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGQI or VYM?
Over the past year AGQI returned +22.03% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AGQI annualized +18.38% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGQI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.5% for AGQI. Worst drawdown: AGQI -14.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AGQI and VYM?
AGQI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQI and VYM?
AGQI and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQI or VYM?
AGQI yields 2.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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