ASET vs VYM
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASET | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.77% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ASET vs VYM Performance
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund (ASET) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ASET is up 16.77% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ASET compounded at +9.79% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +6.15%. 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 14.4% for ASET. 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 -42.8% for ASET 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASET charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASET currently yields 3.39% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASET or VYM?
ASET has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASET or VYM?
Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ASET annualized +6.15% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASET or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for ASET. Worst drawdown: ASET -42.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ASET and VYM?
ASET and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASET or VYM?
ASET yields 3.39% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ASET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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