USPX vs VYM
Franklin US Equity Index ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
USPX has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USPX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.26% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.00% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.48% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 1, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USPX vs VYM Performance
Franklin US Equity Index ETF (USPX) 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 USPX returned +21.00% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, USPX is up 13.26% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, USPX compounded at +21.48% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.30% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, USPX has the edge at +10.97% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.0% for USPX. 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 -31.2% for USPX 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USPX charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USPX currently yields 1.09% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USPX and VYM share 208 holdings out of 845 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USPX or VYM?
USPX has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. USPX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USPX or VYM?
Over the past year USPX returned +21.00% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), USPX annualized +10.97% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USPX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.0% for USPX. Worst drawdown: USPX -31.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USPX and VYM?
USPX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USPX and VYM?
USPX and VYM share 208 common holdings with a 33.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USPX or VYM?
USPX yields 1.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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