FLAG vs VYM
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -20.87% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.16% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLAG vs VYM Performance
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 ETF (FLAG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, FLAG is down 20.87% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.6% for FLAG. 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 -43.9% for FLAG 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAG charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAG currently yields 0.84% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLAG and VYM share 24 holdings out of 629 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAG or VYM?
FLAG has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAG or VYM?
Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FLAG annualized -10.23% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for FLAG. Worst drawdown: FLAG -43.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLAG and VYM?
FLAG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAG and VYM?
FLAG and VYM share 24 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 629 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAG or VYM?
FLAG yields 0.84% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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