HDMV vs VYM
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed International ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HDMV or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. HDMV is less concentrated, with 16.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%.
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 | HDMV | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $17M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 316 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +10.10% | +14.33%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.14% | +20.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.56% | +18.43%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.19% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8%Best | 14.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,150 | $17,750Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 16.2%Best | 25.9% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 26, 2016 to Sep 8, 2026 (10 years).
HDMV 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 10 years both funds cover.
HDMV vs VYM Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed International ETF (HDMV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDMV returned +12.14% while VYM returned +20.01%. Year to date, HDMV is up 10.10% versus a gain of 14.33% for VYM.
Over three years, HDMV compounded at +15.56% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.19% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +4.62%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 12.8% for HDMV. 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 -35.5% for HDMV 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDMV charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDMV currently yields 3.99% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 149 holdings in HDMV and 602 in VYM, totalling 99.0% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 149 positions we hold weights for in HDMV and 602 in VYM, against full books of 316 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 569 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for HDMV (97.2% of the fund), and 1 for HDMV that do not appear in VYM (0.2%).
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.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDMV 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, HDMV or VYM?
HDMV has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $76 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDMV or VYM?
Over the past year HDMV returned +12.14% vs +20.01% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HDMV annualized +4.62% vs +10.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDMV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 12.8% for HDMV. Worst drawdown: HDMV -35.5% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HDMV and VYM?
HDMV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, 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, HDMV or VYM?
HDMV yields 3.99% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HDMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HDMV?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. HDMV is less concentrated, with 16.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.