CATF vs VYM
American Century California Municipal Bond 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 | CATF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $82M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 304 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.90% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CATF vs VYM Performance
American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, CATF is up 1.27% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.2% for CATF. 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 -5.1% for CATF 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CATF charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATF currently yields 3.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CATF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 687 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, CATF or VYM?
CATF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CATF or VYM?
Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CATF annualized +2.69% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CATF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.2% for CATF. Worst drawdown: CATF -5.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CATF and VYM?
CATF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CATF and VYM?
CATF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 687 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CATF or VYM?
CATF yields 3.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CATF 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.