FLV vs VYM
American Century Focused Large Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FLV or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLV led over 1Y, VYM over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 32.6%.
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 | FLV | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $380M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 56 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +11.56%Best | +10.24% |
| 1Y Return | +17.21%Best | +14.89% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.79% | +18.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +11.42%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3%Best | 13.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.1%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,945 | $17,172Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 32.6% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | American Century ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 2, 2020 to Sep 25, 2026 (6.5 years).
FLV 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 6.5 years both funds cover.
FLV vs VYM Performance
American Century Focused Large Cap Value ETF (FLV) is an ETF from American Century ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLV returned +17.21% while VYM returned +14.89%. Year to date, FLV is up 11.56% versus a gain of 10.24% for VYM.
Over three years, FLV compounded at +15.79% per year against +18.00% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +11.42% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +16.16% annualized vs +15.01%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% 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 -15.8% 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 0.94. 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 1.49% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
68.6% of FLV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 20.3% of VYM's money is in holdings FLV also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
36 positions in common, counted across the 52 positions we hold weights for in FLV and 557 in VYM, against full books of 56 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 492 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for FLV (76.7% of the fund), and 11 for FLV that do not appear in VYM (23.1%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPMJpmorgan Chase | 3.25% | 3.82% | 0.57% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 3.28% | 2.51% | 0.77% |
| MMCMarsh & Mclennan Cos Inc Common Stock Usd 1 | 4.04% | 0.37% | 3.67% |
| DUKDuke Energy Corp | 3.54% | 0.40% | 3.14% |
| UNHUnitedhealth Group Incorporated | 2.22% | 1.52% | 0.70% |
| CVXChevron Corp | 2.22% | 1.48% | 0.74% |
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 1.82% | 1.86% | 0.04% |
| BDXBecton Dickinson And Co. | 3.20% | 0.19% | 3.01% |
| BLKBlackrock Funding Inc/De | 2.65% | 0.68% | 1.97% |
| MDTMedtronic Plc Ordinary Shares | 2.59% | 0.44% | 2.15% |
68.6% of FLV is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $38 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLV or VYM?
Over the past year FLV returned +17.21% vs +14.89% for VYM, so FLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FLV annualized +15.01% vs +16.16% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.3% for FLV. Worst drawdown: FLV -15.1% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both FLV and VYM?
FLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FLV and VYM?
68.6% of FLV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 20.3% of VYM's is in holdings FLV also owns. They hold 36 positions in common, counted across the 52 positions we hold weights for in FLV and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLV or VYM?
FLV yields 1.49% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FLV?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLV led over 1Y, VYM over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 32.6%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.