DECU vs VYM
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec 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 | DECU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $53M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.64% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.45% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DECU vs VYM Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DECU is up 9.64% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.4% for DECU. 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 -10.7% for DECU 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DECU charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECU currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DECU or VYM?
DECU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DECU or VYM?
Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECU annualized +11.28% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DECU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.4% for DECU. Worst drawdown: DECU -10.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DECU and VYM?
DECU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DECU or VYM?
DECU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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