AVK vs VYM
Advent Convertible and Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.77% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $623M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.48% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 435 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.03% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.37% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.28% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.96% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVK vs VYM Performance
Advent Convertible and Income Fund (AVK) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVK returned +14.37% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, AVK is up 8.03% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, AVK compounded at +16.28% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.96% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 14.6% 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 -72.6% for AVK 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVK charges 2.77% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $277 vs $4 annually, a gap of $273 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVK currently yields 10.48% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVK and VYM share 12 holdings out of 856 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVK or VYM?
AVK has an expense ratio of 2.77% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $273 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVK or VYM?
Over the past year AVK returned +14.37% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), AVK annualized -0.01% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVK or VYM?
AVK has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVK -72.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVK and VYM?
AVK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVK and VYM?
AVK and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 856 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVK or VYM?
AVK yields 10.48% while VYM yields 2.24%, so AVK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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