ECF vs VYM
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. 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 | ECF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $218M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.05% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.45% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.27% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 1986 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ECF vs VYM Performance
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ECF is up 8.05% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, ECF compounded at +18.27% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ECF has the edge at +8.27% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -83.1% for ECF 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECF charges 1.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $4 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECF currently yields 3.63% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ECF and VYM share 6 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECF or VYM?
ECF has an expense ratio of 1.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECF or VYM?
Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ECF annualized +8.27% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECF or VYM?
ECF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ECF -83.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ECF and VYM?
ECF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECF and VYM?
ECF and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECF or VYM?
ECF yields 3.63% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ECF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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