AIPO vs VYM
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AIPO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIPO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $865M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +32.96% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.11% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AIPO vs VYM Performance
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIPO returned +47.11% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AIPO is up 32.96% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% 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 -24.4% for AIPO 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIPO charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIPO currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AIPO and VYM share 11 holdings out of 629 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIPO or VYM?
AIPO has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIPO or VYM?
Over the past year AIPO returned +47.11% vs +25.03% for VYM, so AIPO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AIPO annualized +48.35% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIPO or VYM?
AIPO has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AIPO -24.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AIPO and VYM?
AIPO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIPO and VYM?
AIPO and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 5.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 629 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIPO or VYM?
AIPO yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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