BAFE vs VYM
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity 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 | BAFE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.25% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BAFE vs VYM Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.94% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.8% for BAFE. 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $4 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BAFE and VYM share 10 holdings out of 592 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or VYM?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or VYM?
Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.99% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.8% for BAFE. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BAFE and VYM?
BAFE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and VYM?
BAFE and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or VYM?
BAFE yields 0.28% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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