Fidelity Womens Leadership ETF (FDWM) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDWM returned +14.55% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FDWM is up 17.37% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, FDWM compounded at +16.64% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, FDWM has the edge at +7.73% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

FDWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -29.1% for FDWM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

FDWM charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDWM currently yields 0.52% against 2.86% for VYM.