FCSH vs VYM
Federated Hermes Short Duration Corporate 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 | FCSH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $65M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.08% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.92% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.02% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.07% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Federated Hermes | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FCSH vs VYM Performance
Federated Hermes Short Duration Corporate ETF (FCSH) is a ETF from Federated Hermes and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FCSH returned +3.02% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FCSH is up 0.92% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FCSH compounded at +5.07% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.2% for FCSH. 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 -8.5% for FCSH 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCSH charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCSH currently yields 4.08% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FCSH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 701 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, FCSH or VYM?
FCSH has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCSH or VYM?
Over the past year FCSH returned +3.02% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FCSH annualized +2.45% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCSH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.2% for FCSH. Worst drawdown: FCSH -8.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FCSH and VYM?
FCSH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCSH and VYM?
FCSH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 701 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCSH or VYM?
FCSH yields 4.08% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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