FDIV vs VYM
MarketDesk Focused US Dividend 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 | FDIV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $59M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.38% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 113 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.74% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.64% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.99% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | MarketDesk Indices | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FDIV vs VYM Performance
MarketDesk Focused US Dividend ETF (FDIV) is a ETF from MarketDesk Indices and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDIV returned +8.64% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FDIV is up 6.74% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FDIV compounded at +7.99% per year against +19.03% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, FDIV has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 12.0% for FDIV. 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 -18.6% for FDIV 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDIV 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, FDIV currently yields 2.38% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FDIV and VYM share 72 holdings out of 642 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDIV or VYM?
FDIV 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, FDIV or VYM?
Over the past year FDIV returned +8.64% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FDIV annualized +7.99% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDIV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.0% for FDIV. Worst drawdown: FDIV -18.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FDIV and VYM?
FDIV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 FDIV and VYM?
FDIV and VYM share 72 common holdings with a 27.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 642 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDIV or VYM?
FDIV yields 2.38% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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