AVUQ vs VYM
Avantis US Quality 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 | AVUQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $311M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 556 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.78% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.70% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVUQ vs VYM Performance
Avantis US Quality ETF (AVUQ) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVUQ returned +17.70% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, AVUQ is up 10.78% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.5% for AVUQ. 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 -11.9% for AVUQ 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVUQ 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, AVUQ currently yields 0.31% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVUQ and VYM share 100 holdings out of 1005 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUQ or VYM?
AVUQ 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, AVUQ or VYM?
Over the past year AVUQ returned +17.70% vs +22.18% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AVUQ annualized +24.40% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUQ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for AVUQ. Worst drawdown: AVUQ -11.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVUQ and VYM?
AVUQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVUQ and VYM?
AVUQ and VYM share 100 common holdings with a 12.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1005 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUQ or VYM?
AVUQ yields 0.31% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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