AKAF vs VYM
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AKAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.82% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AKAF vs VYM Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, AKAF is up 16.06% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AKAF currently yields 2.98% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and VYM share 46 holdings out of 696 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or VYM?
AKAF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AKAF or VYM?
Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% vs +22.18% for VYM, so AKAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +30.78% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AKAF and VYM?
AKAF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and VYM?
AKAF and VYM share 46 common holdings with a 13.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 696 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or VYM?
AKAF yields 2.98% while VYM yields 2.24%, so AKAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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