DAK vs VYM
Dakota Active 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $44M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 140 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.14% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DAK vs VYM Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAK returned +19.14% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, DAK is up 12.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.1% for DAK. 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 -7.9% for DAK 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAK charges 0.43% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $4 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.75% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and VYM share 66 holdings out of 676 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or VYM?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or VYM?
Over the past year DAK returned +19.14% vs +21.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +19.33% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.1% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DAK and VYM?
DAK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAK and VYM?
DAK and VYM share 66 common holdings with a 23.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 676 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or VYM?
DAK yields 0.75% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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