LVHI vs VYM
Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, LVHI or VYM?
LVHI has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LVHI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. LVHI is less concentrated, with 22.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%.
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 | LVHI | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $5.9B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.74% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 300 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +13.82%Best | +13.08% |
| 1Y Return | +25.33%Best | +17.46% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.73%Best | +17.73% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.06%Best | +12.22% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0%Best | 14.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $21,058Best | $17,797 |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.4%Best | 26.1% |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 27, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 28, 2016 to Sep 14, 2026 (10.1 years).
LVHI 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 10.1 years both funds cover.
LVHI vs VYM Performance
Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LVHI returned +25.33% while VYM returned +17.46%. Year to date, LVHI is up 13.82% versus a gain of 13.08% for VYM.
Over three years, LVHI compounded at +20.73% per year against +17.73% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.06% and +12.22% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, LVHI has the edge at +11.26% annualized vs +9.88%.
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 11.0% for LVHI. 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 -32.3% for LVHI 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVHI 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, LVHI currently yields 3.74% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
1.0% of LVHI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.1% of VYM's money is in holdings LVHI also owns.
LVHI and VYM share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 197 positions we hold weights for in LVHI and 557 in VYM, against full books of 300 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 526 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for LVHI (97.0% of the fund), and 5 for LVHI that do not appear in VYM (4.8%).
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 LVHI 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, LVHI or VYM?
LVHI 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, LVHI or VYM?
Over the past year LVHI returned +25.33% vs +17.46% for VYM, so LVHI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), LVHI annualized +11.26% vs +9.88% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LVHI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 11.0% for LVHI. Worst drawdown: LVHI -32.3% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both LVHI and VYM?
LVHI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, 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 LVHI and VYM?
1.0% of LVHI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.1% of VYM's is in holdings LVHI also owns. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 197 positions we hold weights for in LVHI and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVHI or VYM?
LVHI yields 3.74% while VYM yields 2.22%, so LVHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than LVHI?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LVHI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. LVHI is less concentrated, with 22.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.