EKG vs VYM
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EKG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EKG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.66% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.35% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.43% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EKG vs VYM Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EKG returned +28.35% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, EKG is up 17.66% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, EKG compounded at +12.43% per year against +19.22% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -43.8% for EKG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EKG charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EKG currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EKG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 641 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, EKG or VYM?
EKG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EKG or VYM?
Over the past year EKG returned +28.35% vs +23.24% for VYM, so EKG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EKG annualized +2.70% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EKG or VYM?
EKG has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EKG -43.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EKG and VYM?
EKG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EKG and VYM?
EKG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EKG or VYM?
EKG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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