FSMD vs VYM
Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FSMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FSMD offers more diversification with 573 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSMD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 601 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.83% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.13% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.82% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FSMD vs VYM Performance
Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSMD returned +26.13% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, FSMD is up 17.83% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, FSMD compounded at +16.82% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, FSMD has the edge at +11.55% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -40.9% for FSMD 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSMD charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSMD currently yields 1.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FSMD and VYM share 136 holdings out of 995 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSMD or VYM?
FSMD has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSMD or VYM?
Over the past year FSMD returned +26.13% vs +25.99% for VYM, so FSMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FSMD annualized +11.55% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSMD or VYM?
FSMD has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FSMD -40.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FSMD and VYM?
FSMD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FSMD and VYM?
FSMD and VYM share 136 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSMD or VYM?
FSMD yields 1.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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