FEGE vs VYM
First Eagle Global Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FEGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEGE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.02% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Eagle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FEGE vs VYM Performance
First Eagle Global Equity ETF (FEGE) is a ETF from First Eagle Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FEGE returned +29.02% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, FEGE is up 12.64% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.8% for FEGE. 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 -11.1% for FEGE 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEGE charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEGE currently yields 1.21% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FEGE and VYM share 18 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEGE or VYM?
FEGE has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEGE or VYM?
Over the past year FEGE returned +29.02% vs +26.05% for VYM, so FEGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FEGE annualized +28.60% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEGE or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.8% for FEGE. Worst drawdown: FEGE -11.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FEGE and VYM?
FEGE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEGE and VYM?
FEGE and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEGE or VYM?
FEGE yields 1.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, 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.