HUSV vs VYM
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HUSV or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.7%.
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 | HUSV | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $57M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 204 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +6.20% | +14.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.25% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.44% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.60% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2%Best | 14.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7%Tie | -35.7%Tie |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,132 | $17,845Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 26.7% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 25, 2016 to Sep 4, 2026 (10 years).
HUSV 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.
HUSV vs VYM Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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 HUSV returned +3.25% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, HUSV is up 6.20% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.44% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.60% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.17% annualized vs +8.21%.
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 13.2% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HUSV charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HUSV currently yields 1.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
50.9% of HUSV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 26.9% of VYM's money is in holdings HUSV also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
57 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in HUSV and 603 in VYM, against full books of 204 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 513 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for HUSV (70.5% of the fund), and 41 for HUSV that do not appear in VYM (46.7%).
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.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HUSV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 3.56% | 1.93% | 1.63% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 1.66% | 2.54% | 0.88% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 2.13% | 1.31% | 0.82% |
| GENGen Digital Inc | 3.03% | 0.06% | 2.97% |
| VRSNVerisign Inc. | 2.95% | 0.09% | 2.86% |
| XOMExxon Mobil Corp. | 0.46% | 2.36% | 1.90% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 1.05% | 1.42% | 0.37% |
| MCDMcdonald'S Corp | 1.45% | 0.80% | 0.65% |
| LINLinde Plc Ordinary Shares | 1.14% | 0.99% | 0.15% |
| HDHome Depot Inc/The | 0.57% | 1.46% | 0.89% |
50.9% of HUSV is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HUSV or VYM?
HUSV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $66 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HUSV or VYM?
Over the past year HUSV returned +3.25% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.21% vs +10.17% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HUSV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HUSV and VYM?
HUSV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between HUSV and VYM?
50.9% of HUSV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 26.9% of VYM's is in holdings HUSV also owns. They hold 57 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in HUSV and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or VYM?
HUSV yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HUSV?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.