AFOS vs VYM
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $283M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +31.01% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.29% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AFOS vs VYM Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, AFOS is up 31.01% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and VYM share 6 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or VYM?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or VYM?
Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% vs +26.05% for VYM, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +71.06% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or VYM?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AFOS and VYM?
AFOS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and VYM?
AFOS and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or VYM?
AFOS yields 0.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, 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.