FSTA vs VYM
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FSTA or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 61.7%.
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 | FSTA | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 98 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +14.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.25% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.02% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.54% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,727 | $17,845Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 61.7% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 24, 2013 to Sep 4, 2026 (12.9 years).
FSTA 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 12.9 years both funds cover.
FSTA vs VYM Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSTA returned +6.25% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, FSTA is up 9.54% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +9.02% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.52% annualized vs +7.02%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA and -35.7% 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
57.7% of FSTA's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.9% of VYM's money is in holdings FSTA also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
45 positions in common, counted across the 93 positions we hold weights for in FSTA and 602 in VYM, against full books of 98 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 527 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for FSTA (89.3% of the fund), and 47 for FSTA that do not appear in VYM (41.1%).
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 FSTA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 8.61% | 1.42% | 7.19% |
| KOCoca-cola Co. | 8.41% | 1.31% | 7.10% |
| PMPhilip Morris International Inc. | 4.47% | 1.17% | 3.30% |
| PEPPepsico Inc. | 4.20% | 0.77% | 3.43% |
| MOAltria Group Inc. | 3.68% | 0.50% | 3.18% |
| MDLZMondelez International Inc. Class A | 2.67% | 0.31% | 2.36% |
| CLColgate-Palmolive Co. | 2.38% | 0.30% | 2.08% |
| TGTTarget Corp. | 2.28% | 0.25% | 2.03% |
| SYYSysco Corp. | 1.45% | 0.17% | 1.28% |
| KDPKeurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | 1.41% | 0.18% | 1.23% |
57.7% of FSTA 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, FSTA or VYM?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSTA or VYM?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.25% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.02% vs +9.52% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSTA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both FSTA and VYM?
FSTA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FSTA and VYM?
57.7% of FSTA's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.9% of VYM's is in holdings FSTA also owns. They hold 45 positions in common, counted across the 93 positions we hold weights for in FSTA and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or VYM?
FSTA yields 2.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FSTA?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 61.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.