ELFY vs VYM
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ELFY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELFY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $200M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.92% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 9, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ELFY vs VYM Performance
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELFY returned +22.92% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, ELFY is up 15.34% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ELFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -13.6% for ELFY 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELFY charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELFY currently yields 1.05% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ELFY and VYM share 43 holdings out of 674 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ELFY or VYM?
ELFY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELFY or VYM?
Over the past year ELFY returned +22.92% vs +21.14% for VYM, so ELFY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ELFY annualized +41.19% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELFY or VYM?
ELFY has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ELFY -13.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ELFY and VYM?
ELFY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELFY and VYM?
ELFY and VYM share 43 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 674 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELFY or VYM?
ELFY yields 1.05% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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