FBL vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFBLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.09%0.04%
AUM$177M$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.22%2.86%
Holdings2568
YTD Return-29.94%+15.80%
1Y Return-52.44%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.57%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)64.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-63.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 13, 2022Nov 10, 2006

FBL vs VYM Performance

GraniteShares 2x Long META Daily ETF (FBL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FBL returned -52.44% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FBL is down 29.94% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, FBL compounded at +18.57% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, FBL has the edge at +65.84% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FBL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 64.5% 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 -63.2% for FBL 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FBL charges 1.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $4 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBL currently yields 3.22% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FBL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FBL or VYM?

FBL has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FBL or VYM?

Over the past year FBL returned -52.44% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FBL annualized +65.84% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FBL or VYM?

FBL has been the more volatile fund at 64.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FBL -63.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both FBL and VYM?

FBL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FBL and VYM?

FBL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FBL or VYM?

FBL yields 3.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FBL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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