AAAA vs VYM
Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAAA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $276M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.77% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.59% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplius | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AAAA vs VYM Performance
Amplius Aggressive Asset Allocation ETF (AAAA) is a ETF from Amplius and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAAA returned +22.59% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, AAAA is up 12.77% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.5% for AAAA. 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 -7.8% for AAAA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAAA charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAAA currently yields 1.28% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AAAA and VYM share 9 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAAA or VYM?
AAAA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAAA or VYM?
Over the past year AAAA returned +22.59% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAAA annualized +22.81% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAAA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.5% for AAAA. Worst drawdown: AAAA -7.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AAAA and VYM?
AAAA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAAA and VYM?
AAAA and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAAA or VYM?
AAAA yields 1.28% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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