ARB vs VYM
AltShares Merger Arbitrage 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $104M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.58% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.43% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.47% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.27% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AltShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ARB vs VYM Performance
AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB) is a ETF from AltShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARB returned +3.43% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, ARB is up 2.58% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, ARB compounded at +5.47% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.27% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.1% for ARB. 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 -5.6% for ARB 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARB charges 0.76% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $4 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARB currently yields 0.42% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ARB and VYM share 18 holdings out of 669 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARB or VYM?
ARB has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARB or VYM?
Over the past year ARB returned +3.43% vs +23.95% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ARB annualized +4.12% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.1% for ARB. Worst drawdown: ARB -5.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ARB and VYM?
ARB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARB and VYM?
ARB and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARB or VYM?
ARB yields 0.42% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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