FXC vs VYM
Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $69M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.39% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.90% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.04% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.20% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FXC vs VYM Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (FXC) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXC returned -0.90% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, FXC is down 1.39% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, FXC compounded at -0.04% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.20% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -0.94%. 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 8.7% for FXC. 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 -37.9% for FXC 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXC 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, FXC currently yields 0.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXC or VYM?
FXC has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXC or VYM?
Over the past year FXC returned -0.90% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FXC annualized -0.94% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.7% for FXC. Worst drawdown: FXC -37.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FXC and VYM?
FXC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXC or VYM?
FXC yields 0.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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