CHW vs VYM
Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CHW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.27% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $861M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.92% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 775 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.77% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.27% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.88% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CHW vs VYM Performance
Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund (CHW) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHW returned +30.27% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, CHW is up 20.77% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, CHW compounded at +22.88% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.61% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -0.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -73.0% for CHW 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHW charges 2.27% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $227 vs $4 annually, a gap of $223 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHW currently yields 5.92% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CHW and VYM share 67 holdings out of 990 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CHW or VYM?
CHW has an expense ratio of 2.27% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $223 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHW or VYM?
Over the past year CHW returned +30.27% vs +25.99% for VYM, so CHW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), CHW annualized -0.24% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHW or VYM?
CHW has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CHW -73.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CHW and VYM?
CHW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHW and VYM?
CHW and VYM share 67 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 990 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHW or VYM?
CHW yields 5.92% while VYM yields 2.86%, so CHW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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