AESR vs VYM

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: AESRMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAESRVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.18%0.04%
AUM$243M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings33568
YTD Return+18.37%+16.53%
1Y Return+26.59%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.86%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.78%+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-31.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyHorizon FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 16, 2019Nov 10, 2006

AESR vs VYM Performance

Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF (AESR) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AESR returned +26.59% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AESR is up 18.37% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, AESR compounded at +24.86% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.78% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AESR has the edge at +16.24% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

AESR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -31.1% for AESR 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AESR charges 1.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $4 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AESR currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.9%overlap

AESR and VYM share 2 holdings out of 587 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AESRWeight in VYMDifference
CAT0.71%1.51%0.80%
TRGP0.75%0.22%0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AESR or VYM?

AESR has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AESR or VYM?

Over the past year AESR returned +26.59% vs +25.03% for VYM, so AESR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AESR annualized +16.24% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AESR or VYM?

AESR has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AESR -31.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AESR and VYM?

AESR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AESR and VYM?

AESR and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AESR or VYM?

AESR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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