CGMU vs VYM
Capital Group Municipal Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. CGMU offers more diversification with 1,810 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGMU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,810 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.89% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.56% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.53% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CGMU vs VYM Performance
Capital Group Municipal Income ETF (CGMU) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGMU returned +4.56% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, CGMU is up 0.89% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, CGMU compounded at +4.53% per year against +18.72% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.27%. 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 5.0% for CGMU. 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 -4.1% for CGMU 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGMU charges 0.27% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $4 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGMU currently yields 3.38% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CGMU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1001 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, CGMU or VYM?
CGMU has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGMU or VYM?
Over the past year CGMU returned +4.56% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CGMU annualized +5.27% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGMU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.0% for CGMU. Worst drawdown: CGMU -4.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CGMU and VYM?
CGMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGMU and VYM?
CGMU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGMU or VYM?
CGMU yields 3.38% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CGMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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