MFSI vs VYM
MFS Active International ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.84% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.15% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MFSI vs VYM Performance
MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFSI returned +16.15% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, MFSI is up 7.84% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.2% for MFSI. 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 -13.7% for MFSI 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSI charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSI currently yields 0.75% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MFSI and VYM share 1 holdings out of 693 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFSI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP | 0.92% | 0.11% | 0.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSI or VYM?
MFSI has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSI or VYM?
Over the past year MFSI returned +16.15% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSI annualized +17.97% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.2% for MFSI. Worst drawdown: MFSI -13.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MFSI and VYM?
MFSI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSI and VYM?
MFSI and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 693 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSI or VYM?
MFSI yields 0.75% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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