FWD vs VYM
AB Disruptors ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FWD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FWD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +26.56% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.47% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.05% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FWD vs VYM Performance
AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FWD returned +43.47% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, FWD is up 26.56% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, FWD compounded at +35.05% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, FWD has the edge at +35.10% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FWD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -29.0% for FWD 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FWD charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FWD currently yields 0.08% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FWD and VYM share 18 holdings out of 648 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FWD or VYM?
FWD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FWD or VYM?
Over the past year FWD returned +43.47% vs +25.03% for VYM, so FWD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FWD annualized +35.10% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FWD or VYM?
FWD has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FWD -29.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FWD and VYM?
FWD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FWD and VYM?
FWD and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 10.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FWD or VYM?
FWD yields 0.08% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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