FOWF vs VYM
Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FOWF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +9.83% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.66% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FOWF vs VYM Performance
Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF (FOWF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FOWF returned +15.66% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, FOWF is up 9.83% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 12.6% for FOWF. 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 -12.3% for FOWF 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FOWF charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FOWF currently yields 0.73% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FOWF and VYM share 23 holdings out of 673 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FOWF or VYM?
FOWF has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FOWF or VYM?
Over the past year FOWF returned +15.66% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FOWF annualized +23.92% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FOWF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 12.6% for FOWF. Worst drawdown: FOWF -12.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FOWF and VYM?
FOWF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FOWF and VYM?
FOWF and VYM share 23 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 673 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FOWF or VYM?
FOWF yields 0.73% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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