AHLT vs VYM
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $49M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.88% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.04% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AHLT vs VYM Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AHLT returned +35.04% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AHLT is up 10.88% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +7.50% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, AHLT has the edge at +7.50% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AHLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -20.2% for AHLT 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHLT currently yields 1.55% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AHLT or VYM?
AHLT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AHLT or VYM?
Over the past year AHLT returned +35.04% vs +25.03% for VYM, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +7.50% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or VYM?
AHLT has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AHLT and VYM?
AHLT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and VYM?
AHLT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or VYM?
AHLT yields 1.55% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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