FDLO vs VYM
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor 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 | FDLO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.97% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.67% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.00% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FDLO vs VYM Performance
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF (FDLO) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDLO returned +17.67% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FDLO is up 10.97% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FDLO compounded at +15.00% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FDLO has the edge at +12.36% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 13.4% for FDLO. 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 -34.7% for FDLO 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
FDLO charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDLO currently yields 1.44% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FDLO and VYM share 77 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDLO or VYM?
FDLO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDLO or VYM?
Over the past year FDLO returned +17.67% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FDLO annualized +12.36% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDLO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.4% for FDLO. Worst drawdown: FDLO -34.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FDLO and VYM?
FDLO 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 FDLO and VYM?
FDLO and VYM share 77 common holdings with a 41.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDLO or VYM?
FDLO yields 1.44% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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