AIO vs VYM
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.01% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.40% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.26% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.16% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AIO vs VYM Performance
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIO returned +22.91% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, AIO is up 27.40% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, AIO compounded at +26.26% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.16% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AIO has the edge at +14.62% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -45.2% for AIO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIO charges 1.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $4 annually, a gap of $143 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIO currently yields 11.01% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AIO and VYM share 16 holdings out of 672 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIO or VYM?
AIO has an expense ratio of 1.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $143 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIO or VYM?
Over the past year AIO returned +22.91% vs +21.14% for VYM, so AIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AIO annualized +14.62% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIO or VYM?
AIO has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AIO -45.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AIO and VYM?
AIO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIO and VYM?
AIO and VYM share 16 common holdings with a 12.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 672 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIO or VYM?
AIO yields 11.01% while VYM yields 2.24%, so AIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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