CFA vs VYM
VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CFA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $553M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 502 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.19% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.33% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.74% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.03% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Victory Capital Management Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CFA vs VYM Performance
VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted ETF (CFA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CFA returned +14.33% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, CFA is up 12.19% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, CFA compounded at +14.74% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.03% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, CFA has the edge at +9.88% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -37.9% for CFA 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CFA charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CFA currently yields 1.21% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CFA and VYM share 227 holdings out of 876 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CFA or VYM?
CFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CFA or VYM?
Over the past year CFA returned +14.33% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), CFA annualized +9.88% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CFA or VYM?
CFA has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CFA -37.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CFA and VYM?
CFA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 CFA and VYM?
CFA and VYM share 227 common holdings with a 36.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CFA or VYM?
CFA yields 1.21% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.