FEIG vs VYM
FlexShares ESG & Climate Investment Grade Corporate Core Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. FEIG offers more diversification with 668 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEIG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.74% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 716 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.68% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.66% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FEIG vs VYM Performance
FlexShares ESG & Climate Investment Grade Corporate Core Index Fund (FEIG) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FEIG returned +1.68% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FEIG is down 0.60% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FEIG compounded at +4.66% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.51%. 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 8.2% for FEIG. 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 -22.3% for FEIG 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEIG charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEIG currently yields 4.74% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FEIG and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1225 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FEIG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.05% | 0.12% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEIG or VYM?
FEIG has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEIG or VYM?
Over the past year FEIG returned +1.68% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FEIG annualized -0.51% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEIG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.2% for FEIG. Worst drawdown: FEIG -22.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FEIG and VYM?
FEIG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEIG and VYM?
FEIG and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1225 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEIG or VYM?
FEIG yields 4.74% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FEIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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