FLTB vs VYM
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FLTB or VYM?
Short Term Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLTB led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLTB | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $433M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.79% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 1,056 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +0.38% | +12.87%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.55% | +17.25%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.33% | +17.66%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.15% | +11.98%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 138.4% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -64.2% | -58.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,122 | $17,608Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Short Term Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 15, 2026 (19.8 years).
FLTB vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.8 years both funds cover.
FLTB vs VYM Performance
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLTB returned +1.55% while VYM returned +17.25%. Year to date, FLTB is up 0.38% versus a gain of 12.87% for VYM.
Over three years, FLTB compounded at +5.33% per year against +17.66% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.15% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FLTB has the edge at +10.64% annualized vs +6.90%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLTB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 138.4% compared with 14.5% 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 -64.2% for FLTB and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.05. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLTB charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLTB currently yields 4.79% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.7% of VYM's money is in holdings FLTB also owns.
Stated as a floor: for FLTB, our book for it covers 67.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VYM and FLTB share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 685 positions we hold weights for in FLTB and 557 in VYM, against full books of 1,056 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLTB and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLTB or VYM?
FLTB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLTB or VYM?
Over the past year FLTB returned +1.55% vs +17.25% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FLTB annualized +10.64% vs +6.90% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLTB or VYM?
FLTB has been the more volatile fund at 138.4% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FLTB -64.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLTB and VYM?
FLTB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FLTB and VYM?
At least 1.7% of VYM's money is in holdings FLTB also owns. Our book for FLTB is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 685 positions we hold weights for in FLTB and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLTB or VYM?
FLTB yields 4.79% while VYM yields 2.22%, so FLTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FLTB?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLTB led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.