HARD vs VYM
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HARD or VYM?
Long-Short Strategy against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | HARD | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $62M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.95% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 83 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +15.26%Best | +14.82% |
| 1Y Return | +14.19% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.28% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 11.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -21.0% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.4 years | $14,768 | $17,389Best |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Long-Short Strategy | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 28, 2023 to Sep 4, 2026 (3.4 years).
HARD 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 3.4 years both funds cover.
HARD vs VYM Performance
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF (HARD) is an ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HARD returned +14.19% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, HARD is up 15.26% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, HARD compounded at +12.88% per year against +18.64% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HARD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 11.2% 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 -21.0% for HARD and -14.5% 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 0.16. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HARD charges 0.78% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $4 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HARD currently yields 2.95% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in HARD and 603 in VYM, totalling 69.3% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in HARD and 603 in VYM, against full books of 83 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HARD and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HARD or VYM?
HARD has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $74 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HARD or VYM?
Over the past year HARD returned +14.19% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HARD or VYM?
HARD has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 11.2% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HARD -21.0% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both HARD and VYM?
HARD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HARD or VYM?
HARD yields 2.95% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HARD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HARD?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.