FITE vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FITE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FITE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $144M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +33.90% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.16% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.27% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.85% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FITE vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF (FITE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FITE returned +51.16% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FITE is up 33.90% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FITE compounded at +34.27% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.85% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FITE has the edge at +17.21% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FITE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -37.2% for FITE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FITE charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FITE currently yields 0.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FITE and VYM share 9 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FITE or VYM?
FITE has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FITE or VYM?
Over the past year FITE returned +51.16% vs +26.12% for VYM, so FITE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FITE annualized +17.21% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FITE or VYM?
FITE has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FITE -37.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FITE and VYM?
FITE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FITE and VYM?
FITE and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FITE or VYM?
FITE yields 0.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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