BRW vs VYM
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRW offers more diversification with 1,064 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $366M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,064 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.35% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.97% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.15% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.24% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 1988 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BRW vs VYM Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund (BRW) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRW returned -8.97% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, BRW is up 2.35% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, BRW compounded at +9.15% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.24% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs -1.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.0% for BRW. 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 -75.3% for BRW 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRW charges 1.43% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $4 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRW currently yields 13.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BRW and VYM share 45 holdings out of 1090 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, BRW or VYM?
BRW has an expense ratio of 1.43% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRW or VYM?
Over the past year BRW returned -8.97% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), BRW annualized -1.09% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.0% for BRW. Worst drawdown: BRW -75.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BRW and VYM?
BRW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRW and VYM?
BRW and VYM share 45 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1090 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRW or VYM?
BRW yields 13.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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