FXA vs VYM
Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FXA or VYM?
Single Currency against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | FXA | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $96M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 3 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +7.35% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.01% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.68% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.49% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -47.9%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,247 | $17,861Best |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Single Currency | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 18, 2026 (19.8 years).
FXA 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 19.8 years both funds cover.
FXA vs VYM Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (FXA) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXA returned +9.01% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, FXA is up 7.35% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, FXA compounded at +4.68% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.49% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.82% annualized vs -0.20%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.3% for FXA. 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 -47.9% for FXA and -58.8% 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 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXA charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXA currently yields 1.02% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FXA and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXA or VYM?
FXA has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FXA or VYM?
Over the past year FXA returned +9.01% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FXA annualized -0.20% vs +6.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FXA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.3% for FXA. Worst drawdown: FXA -47.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FXA and VYM?
FXA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXA or VYM?
FXA yields 1.02% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FXA?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.