BALT vs VYM
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, BALT or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BALT | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2.9B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +3.70% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.36% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.44% | +17.42%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.14% | +12.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6%Best | 13.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -4.9%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,471 | $17,718Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2021 to Sep 17, 2026 (5.2 years).
BALT vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.2 years both funds cover.
BALT vs VYM Performance
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BALT returned +6.36% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, BALT is up 3.70% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, BALT compounded at +7.44% per year against +17.42% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.14% and +12.12% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 2.6% for BALT. 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 -4.9% for BALT and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.67. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALT charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALT currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BALT and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALT or VYM?
BALT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BALT or VYM?
Over the past year BALT returned +6.36% vs +16.61% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BALT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 2.6% for BALT. Worst drawdown: BALT -4.9% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both BALT and VYM?
BALT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALT or VYM?
BALT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than BALT?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.