MULT vs VYM
Franklin Multisector Income 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 | MULT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.83% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 338 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MULT vs VYM Performance
Franklin Multisector Income ETF (MULT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, MULT is up 1.31% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.9% for MULT. 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 -1.7% for MULT 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MULT charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MULT currently yields 3.83% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MULT and VYM share 1 holdings out of 790 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 MULT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCL 5.5 04/01/28 144 | 0.09% | 0.33% | 0.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MULT or VYM?
MULT has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MULT or VYM?
Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MULT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.9% for MULT. Worst drawdown: MULT -1.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MULT and VYM?
MULT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MULT and VYM?
MULT and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MULT or VYM?
MULT yields 3.83% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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