HDG vs VYM
ProShares Hedge Replication ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HDG or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | HDG | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $22M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 1,988 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +6.19% | +11.71%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.78% | +16.24%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.92% | +17.24%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.09% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 13.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,643 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 12, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 14, 2011 to Sep 16, 2026 (15.2 years).
HDG 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 15.2 years both funds cover.
HDG vs VYM Performance
ProShares Hedge Replication ETF (HDG) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDG returned +8.78% while VYM returned +16.24%. Year to date, HDG is up 6.19% versus a gain of 11.71% for VYM.
Over three years, HDG compounded at +6.92% per year against +17.24% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.09% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.88% annualized vs +2.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.1% compared with 5.7% for HDG. 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 -15.3% for HDG and -35.7% 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDG charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDG currently yields 2.36% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.9% of VYM's money is in holdings HDG also owns.
Stated as a floor: for HDG, our book for it covers 10.2% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VYM and HDG share little of their money.
150 positions in common, counted across the 1,919 positions we hold weights for in HDG and 557 in VYM, against full books of 1,988 and 613.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HDG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEMNewmont Corp Common | 0.00% | 0.41% | 0.41% |
| CURVVanguard Market Liquidity Fund | 0.00% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| CFGCitizens Financial Group Inc. | 0.00% | 0.12% | 0.12% |
| UMBFUmb Financial Corp. | 0.04% | 0.04% | 0.00% |
| ONBOld National Bancorp/In Common Stock | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.01% |
| EQHEquitable Holdings Inc. | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.04% |
| VLYValley National Bancorp | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| TEXTerex Corp | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| SMSm Energy Co | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| JXNJackson Financial Inc USD | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDG 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, HDG or VYM?
HDG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDG or VYM?
Over the past year HDG returned +8.78% vs +16.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HDG annualized +2.70% vs +9.88% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.1% annualized versus 5.7% for HDG. Worst drawdown: HDG -15.3% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HDG and VYM?
HDG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between HDG and VYM?
At least 2.9% of VYM's money is in holdings HDG also owns. Our book for HDG is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 150 positions in common, counted across the 1,919 positions we hold weights for in HDG and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDG or VYM?
HDG yields 2.36% while VYM yields 2.22%, so HDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HDG?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.