ETHO vs VYM
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ETHO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETHO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $196M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +26.68% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.71% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ETHO vs VYM Performance
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF (ETHO) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETHO returned +38.71% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, ETHO is up 26.68% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, ETHO compounded at +17.46% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ETHO has the edge at +12.87% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -36.7% for ETHO 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETHO charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETHO currently yields 0.70% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ETHO and VYM share 71 holdings out of 816 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETHO or VYM?
ETHO has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETHO or VYM?
Over the past year ETHO returned +38.71% vs +24.22% for VYM, so ETHO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ETHO annualized +12.87% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETHO or VYM?
ETHO has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ETHO -36.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ETHO and VYM?
ETHO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETHO and VYM?
ETHO and VYM share 71 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETHO or VYM?
ETHO yields 0.70% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.