AUSM vs VYM
Allspring Ultra Short Municipal 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AUSM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.66% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Allspring Global Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AUSM vs VYM Performance
Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AUSM returned +2.66% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, AUSM is up 1.53% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 0.6% for AUSM. 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 -0.4% for AUSM 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUSM charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
AUSM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 571 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, AUSM or VYM?
AUSM has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AUSM or VYM?
Over the past year AUSM returned +2.66% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AUSM annualized +2.88% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUSM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.6% for AUSM. Worst drawdown: AUSM -0.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AUSM and VYM?
AUSM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AUSM and VYM?
AUSM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
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