PFIX vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPFIXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$170M$79.0B
Dividend Yield10.55%2.86%
Holdings31568
YTD Return+3.84%+15.80%
1Y Return+1.06%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.65%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+21.96%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)36.3%14.6%
Max Drawdown-36.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 10, 2021Nov 10, 2006

PFIX vs VYM Performance

Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFIX returned +1.06% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PFIX is up 3.84% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, PFIX compounded at +12.65% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +21.96% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PFIX has the edge at +16.35% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PFIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% compared with 14.6% 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 -36.2% for PFIX 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 -0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PFIX charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFIX currently yields 10.55% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PFIX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PFIX or VYM?

PFIX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PFIX or VYM?

Over the past year PFIX returned +1.06% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFIX annualized +16.35% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PFIX or VYM?

PFIX has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFIX -36.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both PFIX and VYM?

PFIX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PFIX and VYM?

PFIX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PFIX or VYM?

PFIX yields 10.55% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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