AADR vs VYM
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AADR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $38M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -2.57% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.12% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.77% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AADR vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF (AADR) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, AADR is down 2.57% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, AADR compounded at +19.77% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AADR has the edge at +8.52% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AADR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -45.6% for AADR 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AADR charges 1.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $4 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AADR currently yields 0.84% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AADR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 640 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, AADR or VYM?
AADR has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AADR or VYM?
Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AADR annualized +8.52% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AADR or VYM?
AADR has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AADR -45.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AADR and VYM?
AADR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AADR and VYM?
AADR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AADR or VYM?
AADR yields 0.84% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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