ARMY vs VYM
Tema International Defense 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARMY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.12% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.3% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Tema Global Limited | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ARMY vs VYM Performance
Tema International Defense ETF (ARMY) is a ETF from Tema Global Limited and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARMY returned -3.12% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, ARMY is down 0.28% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARMY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.3% compared with 14.5% 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 -21.4% for ARMY 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARMY charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARMY currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ARMY and VYM share 4 holdings out of 632 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARMY or VYM?
ARMY has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARMY or VYM?
Over the past year ARMY returned -3.12% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARMY or VYM?
ARMY has been the more volatile fund at 30.3% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ARMY -21.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ARMY and VYM?
ARMY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARMY and VYM?
ARMY and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 632 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARMY or VYM?
ARMY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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