AVUS vs VYM
Avantis US Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AVUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVUS offers more diversification with 1,875 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,875 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.25% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.64% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.75% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.81% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVUS vs VYM Performance
Avantis US Equity ETF (AVUS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVUS returned +24.64% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, AVUS is up 16.25% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, AVUS compounded at +21.75% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.81% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVUS has the edge at +16.02% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -37.0% for AVUS 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVUS 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, AVUS currently yields 0.93% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVUS and VYM share 428 holdings out of 1467 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVUS or VYM?
AVUS 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, AVUS or VYM?
Over the past year AVUS returned +24.64% vs +22.36% for VYM, so AVUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVUS annualized +16.02% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVUS or VYM?
AVUS has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVUS -37.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVUS and VYM?
AVUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AVUS and VYM?
AVUS and VYM share 428 common holdings with a 35.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1467 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVUS or VYM?
AVUS yields 0.93% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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