AVMU vs VYM
Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVMU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $173M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 541 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.47% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.62% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.05% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.40% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVMU vs VYM Performance
Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF (AVMU) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVMU returned +5.62% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, AVMU is down 0.47% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, AVMU compounded at +3.05% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.40% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +0.48%. 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 6.0% for AVMU. 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 -12.4% for AVMU 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVMU charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVMU currently yields 3.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVMU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 904 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, AVMU or VYM?
AVMU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVMU or VYM?
Over the past year AVMU returned +5.62% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AVMU annualized +0.48% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVMU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.0% for AVMU. Worst drawdown: AVMU -12.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVMU and VYM?
AVMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVMU and VYM?
AVMU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVMU or VYM?
AVMU yields 3.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so AVMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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