VYM vs XFLX
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FundX Flexible ETF
Which is better, VYM or XFLX?
Large Cap Value against Intermediate Term Bond.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.97% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $50M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 9.64% |
| Holdings | 613 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +13.91%Best | +1.04% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | +1.69% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.12%Best | +3.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 3.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -6.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $17,099Best | $11,201 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Fund X |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Intermediate Term Bond |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 1, 2002 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 9, 2023 to Sep 11, 2026 (2.9 years).
VYM vs XFLX growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.9 years both funds cover.
VYM vs XFLX Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FundX Flexible ETF (XFLX) is an ETF from Fund X. Over the past year VYM returned +17.57% while XFLX returned +1.69%. Year to date, VYM is up 13.91% versus a gain of 1.04% for XFLX.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.12% per year against +3.99% for XFLX.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.4% compared with 3.9% for XFLX. 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 -14.5% for VYM and -6.5% for XFLX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XFLX charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $97 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.22% against 9.64% for XFLX.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 603 holdings in VYM and 1 in XFLX, totalling 99.5% and 98.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, VYM as of Jun 30, 2026 and XFLX as of Aug 17, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 603 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 1 in XFLX, against full books of 613 and 14.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and XFLX you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XFLX?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XFLX charges 0.97%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $93 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or XFLX?
Over the past year VYM returned +17.57% vs +1.69% for XFLX, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or XFLX?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 10.4% annualized versus 3.9% for XFLX. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs XFLX -6.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and XFLX?
VYM and XFLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XFLX?
VYM yields 2.22% while XFLX yields 9.64%, so XFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XFLX better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.