ADIV vs VYM
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder 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 | ADIV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $56M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.85% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.36% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.45% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.19% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ADIV vs VYM Performance
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ADIV returned +12.36% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, ADIV is up 9.85% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, ADIV compounded at +19.45% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.19% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ADIV has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ADIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -31.6% for ADIV 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ADIV charges 0.78% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $4 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADIV currently yields 2.84% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ADIV and VYM share 3 holdings out of 636 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ADIV or VYM?
ADIV has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ADIV or VYM?
Over the past year ADIV returned +12.36% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ADIV annualized +7.11% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADIV or VYM?
ADIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ADIV -31.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ADIV and VYM?
ADIV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADIV and VYM?
ADIV and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 636 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADIV or VYM?
ADIV yields 2.84% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ADIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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