FLV 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

MetricFLVVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.42%0.04%
AUM$364M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.59%2.86%
Holdings50568
YTD Return+15.68%+15.80%
1Y Return+23.57%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.86%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.30%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)13.3%14.6%
Max Drawdown-15.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAmerican Century ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2020Nov 10, 2006

FLV vs VYM Performance

American Century Focused Large Cap Value ETF (FLV) is a ETF from American Century ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLV returned +23.57% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FLV is up 15.68% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, FLV compounded at +15.86% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.30% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FLV has the edge at +16.01% 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 13.3% for FLV. 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 -15.1% for FLV 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLV charges 0.42% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $4 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLV currently yields 1.59% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

19.0%overlap

FLV and VYM share 34 holdings out of 576 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FLVWeight in VYMDifference
JPM:US3.25%3.36%0.11%
JNJ3.28%2.62%0.66%
DUK3.54%0.45%3.09%
CVXProProPro
BDXProProPro
UNHProProPro
BLKProProPro
CSCOProProPro
MDT:IEProProPro
PEPProProPro
See all 10 holdings FLV shares with VYM
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLV or VYM?

FLV has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLV or VYM?

Over the past year FLV returned +23.57% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FLV annualized +16.01% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLV or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for FLV. Worst drawdown: FLV -15.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both FLV and VYM?

FLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between FLV and VYM?

FLV and VYM share 34 common holdings with a 19.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 576 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLV or VYM?

FLV yields 1.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →