VYM vs. FDVV: How These Popular Dividend ETFs Stack Up on Yield, Costs, and Risk

Core Insights - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) both target U.S. companies with above-average dividend yields but differ in their strategies and characteristics [1][2]. Cost and Size Comparison - FDVV has an expense ratio of 0.15% and assets under management (AUM) of $7.7 billion, while VYM has a lower expense ratio of 0.06% and AUM of $84.6 billion [3]. - As of December 18, 2025, FDVV's one-year return is 10.62% compared to VYM's 9.99%, and FDVV offers a higher dividend yield of 3.02% versus VYM's 2.42% [3]. Performance and Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, FDVV experienced a maximum drawdown of -20.17%, while VYM had a drawdown of -15.87% [4]. - An investment of $1,000 in FDVV would grow to $1,754 over five years, compared to $1,567 for VYM [4]. Portfolio Composition - VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index with 566 holdings, primarily in financial services (21%), technology (18%), and healthcare (13%), featuring top stocks like Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, and Exxon Mobil [5]. - FDVV has a more concentrated portfolio with 107 holdings, focusing heavily on technology (26%) and consumer defensive (12%) sectors, with major positions in Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple [6]. Investment Implications - While FDVV offers a higher dividend yield, its higher expense ratio may offset some income benefits, making the net earnings from both funds relatively similar for most investors [7][8]. - The sector allocation indicates that VYM is more stable due to its focus on financial services, whereas FDVV's heavier tech exposure may lead to higher volatility and potential returns [9][10].