AAUS vs VYM
Alpha Architect US Equity 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 | AAUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $510M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 354 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.92% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.38% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AAUS vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +18.38% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, AAUS is up 11.92% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.6% for AAUS. 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 -9.1% for AAUS 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and VYM share 158 holdings out of 792 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or VYM?
AAUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAUS or VYM?
Over the past year AAUS returned +18.38% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +20.51% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.6% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AAUS and VYM?
AAUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUS and VYM?
AAUS and VYM share 158 common holdings with a 32.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or VYM?
AAUS yields 0.34% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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