EPRF vs VYM
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF 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 | EPRF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $68M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.71% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -6.59% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.15% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.83% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.31% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EPRF vs VYM Performance
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF (EPRF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPRF returned -7.15% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, EPRF is down 6.59% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, EPRF compounded at +0.83% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.31% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.74%. 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 10.6% for EPRF. 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 -26.8% for EPRF 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPRF charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPRF currently yields 5.71% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPRF or VYM?
EPRF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPRF or VYM?
Over the past year EPRF returned -7.15% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EPRF annualized +0.74% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPRF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.6% for EPRF. Worst drawdown: EPRF -26.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EPRF and VYM?
EPRF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPRF and VYM?
EPRF and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPRF or VYM?
EPRF yields 5.71% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EPRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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