ARMU vs VYM

ARMU vs VYM

Which is better, ARMU or VYM?

VYM has been ahead.

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over the full window.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns (full window): VYM

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

MetricARMUVYM
Expense Ratio1.05%0.04%Best
AUM$2M$81.6B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.22%
Holdings3613
Volatility (annualized)111.1%10.1%Best
Max Drawdown-68.1%-12.0%Best
$10,000 over 1 years$6,451$11,731Best
Fund FamilyREX SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
Style-Large Cap Value
InceptionMar 4, 2025Nov 10, 2006

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 191 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. ARMU has data through Mar 16, 2026 and VYM through Sep 23, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 4, 2025 to Mar 16, 2026 (1 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ARMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 111.1% compared with 10.1% 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 -68.1% for ARMU and -12.0% 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 0.23. They move largely independently of each other.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ARMU charges 1.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $4 annually, a gap of $101 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARMU currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of ARMU and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

ARMUVYM

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ARMU or VYM?

ARMU has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $101 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, ARMU or VYM?

ARMU has been the more volatile fund at 111.1% annualized versus 10.1% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ARMU -68.1% vs VYM -12.0%.

Should I hold both ARMU and VYM?

ARMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, ARMU or VYM?

ARMU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VYM better than ARMU?

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.