ALTY vs VYM
Global X Alternative Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, ALTY or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 88.4%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ALTY | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $49M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 7.54% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 21 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +5.90% | +10.96%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.30% | +15.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.03% | +17.78%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.44% | +12.05%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -60.1% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,032 | $17,663Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 88.4% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 14, 2015 to Sep 22, 2026 (11.2 years).
ALTY vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.2 years both funds cover.
ALTY vs VYM Performance
Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ALTY returned +10.30% while VYM returned +15.42%. Year to date, ALTY is up 5.90% versus a gain of 10.96% for VYM.
Over three years, ALTY compounded at +12.03% per year against +17.78% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.44% and +12.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.31% annualized vs +1.69%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ALTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 14.1% 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 -60.1% for ALTY and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ALTY charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ALTY currently yields 7.54% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
7.7% of ALTY's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.4% of VYM's money is in holdings ALTY also owns.
ALTY and VYM share little of their money.
6 positions in common, counted across the 19 positions we hold weights for in ALTY and 557 in VYM, against full books of 21 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 19 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 522 positions ALTY does not, 96.7% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.35%, JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ALTY and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ALTY or VYM?
ALTY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ALTY or VYM?
Over the past year ALTY returned +10.30% vs +15.42% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ALTY annualized +1.69% vs +9.31% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ALTY or VYM?
ALTY has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ALTY -60.1% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both ALTY and VYM?
ALTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between ALTY and VYM?
7.7% of ALTY's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.4% of VYM's is in holdings ALTY also owns. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 19 positions we hold weights for in ALTY and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, ALTY or VYM?
ALTY yields 7.54% while VYM yields 2.22%, so ALTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than ALTY?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 88.4%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.