FFLS vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFFLSVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.60%0.04%
AUM$42M$79.0B
Dividend Yield6.55%2.86%
Holdings52568
YTD Return+3.38%+15.80%
1Y Return+1.12%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.47%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)9.7%14.6%
Max Drawdown-11.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyThe Future FundVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 20, 2022Nov 10, 2006

FFLS vs VYM Performance

The Future Fund Long/Short ETF (FFLS) is a ETF from The Future Fund and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFLS returned +1.12% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FFLS is up 3.38% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, FFLS compounded at +11.47% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, FFLS has the edge at +9.77% 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 9.7% for FFLS. 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 FFLS 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FFLS charges 1.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $160 vs $4 annually, a gap of $156 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFLS currently yields 6.55% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

3.4%overlap

FFLS and VYM share 7 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FFLSWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO2.91%6.47%3.56%
GLW2.13%0.51%1.62%
ACN-2.20%0.57%2.77%
PIIProProPro
CHRWProProPro
HRBProProPro
SYFProProPro
See all 7 holdings FFLS shares with VYM
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FFLS or VYM?

FFLS has an expense ratio of 1.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $156 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FFLS or VYM?

Over the past year FFLS returned +1.12% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FFLS annualized +9.77% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FFLS or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.7% for FFLS. Worst drawdown: FFLS -11.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both FFLS and VYM?

FFLS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FFLS and VYM?

FFLS and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FFLS or VYM?

FFLS yields 6.55% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FFLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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