EQL vs VYM
ALPS Equal Sector Weight 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $767M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.45% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.50% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.60% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EQL vs VYM Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQL returned +16.45% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.22% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +16.50% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.60% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.06% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.36% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and VYM share 213 holdings out of 885 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or VYM?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or VYM?
Over the past year EQL returned +16.45% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EQL annualized +12.06% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EQL and VYM?
EQL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and VYM?
EQL and VYM share 213 common holdings with a 39.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or VYM?
EQL yields 1.36% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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