EQTY vs VYM
Kovitz Core Equity 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 | EQTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.28% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.29% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.98% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Kovitz Investment Group | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EQTY vs VYM Performance
Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) is a ETF from Kovitz Investment Group and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQTY returned +15.29% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, EQTY is up 11.28% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, EQTY compounded at +16.98% per year against +18.34% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, EQTY has the edge at +18.03% 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 13.1% for EQTY. 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 -17.3% for EQTY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQTY charges 0.99% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $4 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQTY currently yields 0.02% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EQTY and VYM share 10 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQTY or VYM?
EQTY has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQTY or VYM?
Over the past year EQTY returned +15.29% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EQTY annualized +18.03% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQTY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.1% for EQTY. Worst drawdown: EQTY -17.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EQTY and VYM?
EQTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQTY and VYM?
EQTY and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQTY or VYM?
EQTY yields 0.02% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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