CEF vs VYM
CEF vs VYM
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -5.55% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.70% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.28% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.10% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CEF vs VYM Performance
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CEF is down 5.55% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, CEF compounded at +34.28% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.10% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, CEF has the edge at +7.71% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -62.3% for CEF 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEF charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEF currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEF or VYM?
CEF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEF or VYM?
Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% vs +26.12% for VYM, so CEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), CEF annualized +7.71% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEF or VYM?
CEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CEF -62.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CEF and VYM?
CEF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEF or VYM?
CEF yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM 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.