AVSF vs VYM
Avantis Short-Term 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $653M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 496 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 14, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVSF vs VYM Performance
Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income ETF (AVSF) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, AVSF is up 1.02% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, AVSF compounded at +2.84% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +0.78%. 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 2.9% for AVSF. 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 -8.8% for AVSF 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSF 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, AVSF currently yields 4.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVSF and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1023 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AVSF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.08% | 0.17% | 0.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSF or VYM?
AVSF 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, AVSF or VYM?
Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AVSF annualized +0.78% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.9% for AVSF. Worst drawdown: AVSF -8.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVSF and VYM?
AVSF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSF and VYM?
AVSF and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1023 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSF or VYM?
AVSF yields 4.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AVSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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