DMA vs VYM
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DMA or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DMA led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DMA | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.69% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $80M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 14.02% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 181 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -4.44% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.44% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.78%Best | +17.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 13.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.7 years | $12,816 | $16,111Best |
| Fund Family | Destra Capital Investment LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 13, 2022 to Sep 10, 2026 (4.7 years).
DMA vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.7 years both funds cover.
DMA vs VYM Performance
Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (DMA) is an ETF from Destra Capital Investment LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DMA returned +3.44% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, DMA is down 4.44% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, DMA compounded at +18.78% per year against +17.99% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% compared with 13.7% 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 -38.9% for DMA and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.27. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMA charges 3.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $369 vs $4 annually, a gap of $365 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMA currently yields 14.02% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 23.4% of VYM's money is in holdings DMA also owns.
Stated as a floor: for DMA, our book for it covers 39.0% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VYM and DMA share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 181 days apart, DMA as of Dec 31, 2025 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
22 positions in common, counted across the 63 positions we hold weights for in DMA and 603 in VYM, against full books of 181 and 613.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DMA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 0.45% | 7.29% | 6.84% |
| JPMJpmorgan Chase & Co. | 0.35% | 3.38% | 3.03% |
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 0.48% | 1.93% | 1.45% |
| ABBVAbbvie Inc. | 0.49% | 1.85% | 1.36% |
| BACBank Of America Corp. | 0.19% | 1.56% | 1.37% |
| IBMInternational Business Machines Corp. | 0.32% | 1.10% | 0.78% |
| ORCLOracle Corp. | 0.31% | 1.04% | 0.73% |
| AMGNAmgen Inc. | 0.47% | 0.75% | 0.28% |
| MCDMcdonald'S Corp | 0.37% | 0.80% | 0.43% |
| NEENextera Energy Inc. | 0.38% | 0.76% | 0.38% |
23.4% of VYM is already inside DMA.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DMA or VYM?
DMA has an expense ratio of 3.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $365 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DMA or VYM?
Over the past year DMA returned +3.44% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DMA or VYM?
DMA has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 13.7% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DMA -38.9% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both DMA and VYM?
DMA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DMA and VYM?
At least 23.4% of VYM's money is in holdings DMA also owns. Our book for DMA is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 22 positions in common, counted across the 63 positions we hold weights for in DMA and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMA or VYM?
DMA yields 14.02% while VYM yields 2.22%, so DMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DMA?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DMA led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.