FLRN vs VYM
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLRN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.15% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.18% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.16% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLRN vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF (FLRN) 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 FLRN returned +4.18% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FLRN is up 2.15% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, FLRN compounded at +5.19% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.16% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.54%. 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 2.3% for FLRN. 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 -20.1% for FLRN 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLRN charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLRN currently yields 4.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLRN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 870 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLRN or VYM?
FLRN has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLRN or VYM?
Over the past year FLRN returned +4.18% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLRN annualized +1.54% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLRN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.3% for FLRN. Worst drawdown: FLRN -20.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLRN and VYM?
FLRN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLRN and VYM?
FLRN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLRN or VYM?
FLRN yields 4.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so FLRN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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