BTAL vs VYM
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 | BTAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $294M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -14.38% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.57% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.26% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BTAL vs VYM Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.38% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -11.26% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.13% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $4 annually, a gap of $136 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 2.92% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VYM share 149 holdings out of 853 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $136 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VYM?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VYM?
BTAL 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 BTAL and VYM?
BTAL and VYM share 149 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 853 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL yields 2.92% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.