BENJ vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBENJVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.40%0.04%
AUM$270M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings3568
YTD Return+2.16%+16.16%
1Y Return+3.85%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)0.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-0.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyHorizon FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 22, 2025Nov 10, 2006

BENJ vs VYM Performance

Horizon Landmark ETF (BENJ) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BENJ returned +3.85% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BENJ is up 2.16% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 0.6% for BENJ. 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 -0.4% for BENJ 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 -0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BENJ charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BENJ currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BENJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BENJ or VYM?

BENJ has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BENJ or VYM?

Over the past year BENJ returned +3.85% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BENJ annualized +3.86% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BENJ or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.6% for BENJ. Worst drawdown: BENJ -0.4% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both BENJ and VYM?

BENJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BENJ and VYM?

BENJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BENJ or VYM?

BENJ yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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