ETHA vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricETHAVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.04%
AUM$5.6B$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings2568
YTD Return-38.63%+15.80%
1Y Return-50.63%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)73.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-67.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 24, 2024Nov 10, 2006

ETHA vs VYM Performance

iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETHA returned -50.63% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ETHA is down 38.63% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ETHA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.9% 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 -67.9% for ETHA 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ETHA charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETHA currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ETHA or VYM?

ETHA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ETHA or VYM?

Over the past year ETHA returned -50.63% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ETHA annualized -25.31% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ETHA or VYM?

ETHA has been the more volatile fund at 73.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ETHA -67.9% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ETHA and VYM?

ETHA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, ETHA or VYM?

ETHA yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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