DRSK vs VYM
Aptus Defined Risk ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DRSK or VYM?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | DRSK | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.75% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 39 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -2.60% | +10.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | -4.40% | +14.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.21% | +17.50%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.89% | +11.60%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9%Best | 15.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,981 | $17,311Best |
| Fund Family | Aptus Capital Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 8, 2018 to Sep 23, 2026 (8.1 years).
DRSK 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 8.1 years both funds cover.
DRSK vs VYM Performance
Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is an ETF from Aptus Capital Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DRSK returned -4.40% while VYM returned +14.28%. Year to date, DRSK is down 2.60% versus a gain of 10.23% for VYM.
Over three years, DRSK compounded at +8.21% per year against +17.50% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.89% and +11.60% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.76% annualized vs +4.44%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 7.9% for DRSK. 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 -19.9% for DRSK and -35.7% 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 0.55. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DRSK charges 0.78% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $4 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DRSK currently yields 3.75% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 10 holdings in DRSK and 557 in VYM, totalling 94.1% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 10 positions we hold weights for in DRSK and 557 in VYM, against full books of 39 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DRSK and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DRSK or VYM?
DRSK has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $74 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DRSK or VYM?
Over the past year DRSK returned -4.40% vs +14.28% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DRSK annualized +4.44% vs +9.76% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DRSK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 7.9% for DRSK. Worst drawdown: DRSK -19.9% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both DRSK and VYM?
DRSK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRSK or VYM?
DRSK yields 3.75% while VYM yields 2.22%, so DRSK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DRSK?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.