EQL vs VYM
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, EQL or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EQL led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. EQL is less concentrated, with 23.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $761M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.87% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.81% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.49% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.88% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 13.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,760 | $17,861Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 23.2%Best | 26.1% |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 7, 2009 to Sep 18, 2026 (17.2 years).
EQL vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 17.2 years both funds cover.
EQL vs VYM Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQL returned +12.81% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, EQL is up 9.87% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +15.49% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.88% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +11.88% annualized vs +11.15%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 13.1% 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 -36.4% for EQL and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.34% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
47.0% of EQL's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 89.7% of VYM's money is in holdings EQL also owns.
Most of VYM is already inside EQL. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
221 positions in common, counted across the 494 positions we hold weights for in EQL and 557 in VYM, against full books of 12 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 309 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for EQL (9.0% of the fund), and 263 for EQL that do not appear in VYM (52.3%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EQL | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 0.64% | 7.35% | 6.71% |
| XOMExxonmobil Holdings Corp Common Stock Usd | 2.80% | 2.63% | 0.17% |
| JPMJpmorgan Chase | 1.09% | 3.82% | 2.73% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 0.99% | 2.51% | 1.52% |
| CVXChevron Corp | 1.72% | 1.48% | 0.24% |
| LINLinde Plc Ordinary Shares | 1.77% | 0.90% | 0.87% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 1.13% | 1.38% | 0.25% |
| ABBVAbbvie Inc. | 0.70% | 1.80% | 1.10% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 1.01% | 1.37% | 0.36% |
| BACBank of America Corp.: Financials | 0.50% | 1.66% | 1.16% |
89.7% of VYM is already inside EQL.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EQL or VYM?
Over the past year EQL returned +12.81% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EQL annualized +11.88% vs +11.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EQL or VYM?
EQL has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.1% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both EQL and VYM?
EQL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and VYM?
89.7% of VYM's money is in holdings EQL also owns. 89.7% of VYM's is in holdings EQL also owns. They hold 221 positions in common, counted across the 494 positions we hold weights for in EQL and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or VYM?
EQL yields 1.34% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than EQL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EQL led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. EQL is less concentrated, with 23.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.