ACLC vs VYM
American Century Large Cap 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 | ACLC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $326M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.82% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.70% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.22% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ACLC vs VYM Performance
American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACLC returned +15.70% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, ACLC is up 10.82% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, ACLC compounded at +17.22% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, ACLC has the edge at +14.23% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -26.4% for ACLC 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACLC charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACLC currently yields 0.54% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ACLC and VYM share 39 holdings out of 664 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACLC or VYM?
ACLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACLC or VYM?
Over the past year ACLC returned +15.70% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ACLC annualized +14.23% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACLC or VYM?
ACLC has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ACLC -26.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ACLC and VYM?
ACLC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACLC and VYM?
ACLC and VYM share 39 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 664 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACLC or VYM?
ACLC yields 0.54% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.