AREA vs VYM
Harbor AlphaEdge Next Generation REITs 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 | AREA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.88% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.75% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 3, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AREA vs VYM Performance
Harbor AlphaEdge Next Generation REITs ETF (AREA) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AREA returned +7.75% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, AREA is up 8.88% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.0% for AREA. 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 -21.1% for AREA 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AREA 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, AREA currently yields 0.66% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AREA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 641 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AREA or VYM?
AREA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AREA or VYM?
Over the past year AREA returned +7.75% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AREA annualized +1.50% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AREA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.0% for AREA. Worst drawdown: AREA -21.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AREA and VYM?
AREA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AREA and VYM?
AREA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AREA or VYM?
AREA yields 0.66% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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