AWEG vs VYM
Alger Weatherbie Enduring Growth 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 | AWEG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.70% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -7.16% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.92% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alger | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AWEG vs VYM Performance
Alger Weatherbie Enduring Growth ETF (AWEG) is a ETF from Alger and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AWEG returned -9.92% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, AWEG is down 7.16% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AWEG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -27.0% for AWEG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AWEG charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AWEG currently yields 3.70% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AWEG and VYM share 1 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AWEG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP | 4.30% | 0.01% | 4.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AWEG or VYM?
AWEG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AWEG or VYM?
Over the past year AWEG returned -9.92% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AWEG annualized +7.07% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AWEG or VYM?
AWEG has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AWEG -27.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AWEG and VYM?
AWEG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AWEG and VYM?
AWEG and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AWEG or VYM?
AWEG yields 3.70% while VYM yields 2.24%, so AWEG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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