FMED vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. FMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: FMEDMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFMEDVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$46M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings74568
YTD Return+12.95%+16.53%
1Y Return+29.70%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.46%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)18.7%14.6%
Max Drawdown-21.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyFidelity Investments (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 13, 2023Nov 10, 2006

FMED vs VYM Performance

Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF (FMED) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FMED returned +29.70% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, FMED is up 12.95% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, FMED compounded at +8.46% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +6.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 14.6% 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 -21.8% for FMED 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FMED charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMED currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

1.2%overlap

FMED and VYM share 1 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FMEDWeight in VYMDifference
UNH2.17%1.17%1.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FMED or VYM?

FMED has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FMED or VYM?

Over the past year FMED returned +29.70% vs +25.03% for VYM, so FMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FMED annualized +6.27% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FMED or VYM?

FMED has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FMED -21.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both FMED and VYM?

FMED and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FMED and VYM?

FMED and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FMED or VYM?

FMED yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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