ALTL vs VYM
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ALTL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $92M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.03% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.06% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.29% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.93% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ALTL vs VYM Performance
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF (ALTL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ALTL returned +18.06% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, ALTL is up 10.03% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, ALTL compounded at +9.29% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.93% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, ALTL has the edge at +12.70% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ALTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -31.9% for ALTL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ALTL charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ALTL currently yields 0.85% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ALTL and VYM share 31 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ALTL or VYM?
ALTL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ALTL or VYM?
Over the past year ALTL returned +18.06% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ALTL annualized +12.70% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ALTL or VYM?
ALTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ALTL -31.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ALTL and VYM?
ALTL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ALTL and VYM?
ALTL and VYM share 31 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ALTL or VYM?
ALTL yields 0.85% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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