GENZ vs VYM
VanEck Digital Native Economy 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 | GENZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $17M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -3.20% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.90% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.41% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.56% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GENZ vs VYM Performance
VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GENZ returned -9.90% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, GENZ is down 3.20% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, GENZ compounded at +0.41% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.56% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GENZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -71.1% for GENZ 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GENZ charges 0.51% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $4 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GENZ currently yields 3.54% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GENZ and VYM share 4 holdings out of 635 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GENZ or VYM?
GENZ has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GENZ or VYM?
Over the past year GENZ returned -9.90% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GENZ annualized +2.19% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GENZ or VYM?
GENZ has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GENZ -71.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GENZ and VYM?
GENZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GENZ and VYM?
GENZ and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GENZ or VYM?
GENZ yields 3.54% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GENZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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