FCTE vs VYM
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend 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 | FCTE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $246M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +20.45% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.37% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | 3FourteenSMI | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 2, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FCTE vs VYM Performance
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) is a ETF from 3FourteenSMI and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FCTE returned +16.37% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FCTE is up 20.45% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -19.7% for FCTE 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTE 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, FCTE currently yields 0.08% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FCTE and VYM share 6 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCTE or VYM?
FCTE 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, FCTE or VYM?
Over the past year FCTE returned +16.37% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FCTE annualized +10.47% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTE or VYM?
FCTE has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FCTE -19.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FCTE and VYM?
FCTE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTE and VYM?
FCTE and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTE or VYM?
FCTE yields 0.08% 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.