FZILX vs VYM
Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
FZILX has a lower expense ratio. FZILX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FZILX offers more diversification with 2,172 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FZILX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,172 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.76% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.32% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.07% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FZILX vs VYM Performance
Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) is a mutual fund from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FZILX returned +25.32% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, FZILX is up 16.76% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FZILX compounded at +18.43% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.07% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, FZILX has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FZILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -32.8% for FZILX 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FZILX charges 0.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FZILX currently yields 2.35% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FZILX and VYM share 8 holdings out of 2736 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FZILX or VYM?
FZILX has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. FZILX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FZILX or VYM?
Over the past year FZILX returned +25.32% vs +22.36% for VYM, so FZILX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FZILX annualized +7.07% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FZILX or VYM?
FZILX has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FZILX -32.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FZILX and VYM?
FZILX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FZILX and VYM?
FZILX and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2736 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FZILX or VYM?
FZILX yields 2.35% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FZILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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