CSTK vs VYM
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSTK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $175M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.16% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.76% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.70% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CSTK vs VYM Performance
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSTK returned +25.70% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, CSTK is up 15.76% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.8% for CSTK. 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 -9.3% for CSTK 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSTK charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSTK currently yields 2.16% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CSTK and VYM share 39 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSTK or VYM?
CSTK has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSTK or VYM?
Over the past year CSTK returned +25.70% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSTK annualized +28.32% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSTK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.8% for CSTK. Worst drawdown: CSTK -9.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CSTK and VYM?
CSTK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CSTK and VYM?
CSTK and VYM share 39 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSTK or VYM?
CSTK yields 2.16% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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