DEEP vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. DEEP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: DEEPMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDEEPVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.04%
AUM$28M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.91%2.86%
Holdings102568
YTD Return+23.84%+15.80%
1Y Return+34.05%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.40%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.25%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)22.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-56.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAcquirers Funds, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 23, 2014Nov 10, 2006

DEEP vs VYM Performance

Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF (DEEP) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DEEP is up 23.84% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, DEEP compounded at +9.40% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.25% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DEEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -56.4% for DEEP 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DEEP charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEP currently yields 1.91% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

DEEP and VYM share 9 holdings out of 651 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DEEPWeight in VYMDifference
ZIM:IL1.40%0.02%1.38%
SBLK:MH1.35%0.01%1.34%
SM1.16%0.03%1.13%
OLNProProPro
RCIIProProPro
PRGProProPro
OGNProProPro
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PZZAProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DEEP or VYM?

DEEP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DEEP or VYM?

Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% vs +26.12% for VYM, so DEEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DEEP annualized +5.73% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DEEP or VYM?

DEEP has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DEEP -56.4% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both DEEP and VYM?

DEEP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DEEP and VYM?

DEEP and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DEEP or VYM?

DEEP yields 1.91% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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