HBDC vs VYM
HBDC vs VYM
Hilton BDC Corporate Bond 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HBDC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $85M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 259 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.30% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.49% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hilton Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HBDC vs VYM Performance
Hilton BDC Corporate Bond ETF (HBDC) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HBDC returned +3.49% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, HBDC is up 1.30% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.1% for HBDC. 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 -3.0% for HBDC 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HBDC charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HBDC currently yields 5.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HBDC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 664 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HBDC or VYM?
HBDC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HBDC or VYM?
Over the past year HBDC returned +3.49% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HBDC annualized +3.38% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HBDC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.1% for HBDC. Worst drawdown: HBDC -3.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HBDC and VYM?
HBDC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HBDC and VYM?
HBDC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 664 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HBDC or VYM?
HBDC yields 5.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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