EALT vs VYM
Innovator US Equity 5 to 15 Buffer ETF - Quarterly 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EALT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $175M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +3.38% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.52% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EALT vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Equity 5 to 15 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (EALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EALT returned +9.52% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, EALT is up 3.38% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, EALT compounded at +13.20% per year against +19.22% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, EALT has the edge at +13.20% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.9% for EALT. 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 -14.8% for EALT 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EALT charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EALT currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EALT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EALT or VYM?
EALT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EALT or VYM?
Over the past year EALT returned +9.52% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), EALT annualized +13.20% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EALT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.9% for EALT. Worst drawdown: EALT -14.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EALT and VYM?
EALT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EALT and VYM?
EALT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EALT or VYM?
EALT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.