NFRA vs VYM
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFRA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.78% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.90% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.75% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.99% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NFRA vs VYM Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFRA returned +11.75% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, NFRA is up 9.90% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, NFRA compounded at +13.19% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.99% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +5.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.6% for NFRA. 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 -32.9% for NFRA 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFRA charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFRA currently yields 5.78% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NFRA and VYM share 29 holdings out of 710 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFRA or VYM?
NFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFRA or VYM?
Over the past year NFRA returned +11.75% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NFRA annualized +5.43% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFRA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.6% for NFRA. Worst drawdown: NFRA -32.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NFRA and VYM?
NFRA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFRA and VYM?
NFRA and VYM share 29 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 710 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFRA or VYM?
NFRA yields 5.78% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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