AAPW vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAAPWVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.04%
AUM$46M$79.0B
Dividend Yield8.27%2.86%
Holdings6568
YTD Return+2.81%+16.78%
1Y Return+20.17%+24.43%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.60%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.30%
Volatility (annualized)26.7%14.6%
Max Drawdown-35.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyRoundhill InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 19, 2025Nov 10, 2006

AAPW vs VYM Performance

Roundhill AAPL WeeklyPay ETF (AAPW) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPW returned +20.17% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, AAPW is up 2.81% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

AAPW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.7% 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 -35.3% for AAPW 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AAPW charges 0.99% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $4 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPW currently yields 8.27% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

AAPW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, AAPW or VYM?

AAPW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AAPW or VYM?

Over the past year AAPW returned +20.17% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AAPW annualized +14.27% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AAPW or VYM?

AAPW has been the more volatile fund at 26.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AAPW -35.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AAPW and VYM?

AAPW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AAPW and VYM?

AAPW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AAPW or VYM?

AAPW yields 8.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AAPW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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