MDEV vs VYM
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MDEV or VYM?
All Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. MDEV is less concentrated, with 25.4% 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 | MDEV | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 53 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -0.14% | +14.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.39% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.85% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.65% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 13.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.3% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $7,477 | $17,845Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 25.4%Best | 25.9% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | All Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 23, 2021 to Sep 4, 2026 (5.2 years).
MDEV 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 5.2 years both funds cover.
MDEV vs VYM Performance
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) 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 MDEV returned +2.39% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, MDEV is down 0.14% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, MDEV compounded at +2.85% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -5.65% and +12.28% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% compared with 13.5% 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 -42.3% for MDEV and -15.8% 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDEV 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, MDEV currently yields 0.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
9.0% of MDEV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.3% of VYM's money is in holdings MDEV also owns.
MDEV and VYM share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in MDEV and 603 in VYM, against full books of 53 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 566 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for MDEV (96.1% of the fund), and 26 for MDEV that do not appear in VYM (52.5%).
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 MDEV 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, MDEV or VYM?
MDEV 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, MDEV or VYM?
Over the past year MDEV returned +2.39% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MDEV or VYM?
MDEV has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 13.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MDEV -42.3% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both MDEV and VYM?
MDEV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, 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 MDEV and VYM?
9.0% of MDEV's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.3% of VYM's is in holdings MDEV also owns. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in MDEV and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDEV or VYM?
MDEV yields 0.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MDEV?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. MDEV is less concentrated, with 25.4% 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.