HDGE vs VYM
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HDGE or VYM?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | HDGE | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.62% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $52M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 64 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -7.31% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.12% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.93% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.85% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 12.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -94.7% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,645 | $17,861Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 27, 2011 to Sep 18, 2026 (15.6 years).
HDGE 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 15.6 years both funds cover.
HDGE vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF (HDGE) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDGE returned -3.12% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, HDGE is down 7.31% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, HDGE compounded at -8.93% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -7.85% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.80% annualized vs -15.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 12.9% 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 -94.7% for HDGE 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 -0.75. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDGE charges 3.62% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $362 vs $4 annually, a gap of $358 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDGE currently yields 3.99% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 3.1% of VYM's money is in holdings HDGE also owns.
Stated as a floor: for HDGE, our book for it covers 66.1% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
They hold the same names on opposite sides, so owning both offsets the exposure rather than doubling it.
16 positions in common, counted across the 60 positions we hold weights for in HDGE and 557 in VYM, against full books of 64 and 613.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HDGE | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCLOracle Corp - Common | -1.54% | 0.90% | 2.44% |
| WFCWells Fargo & Co. | -1.75% | 1.07% | 2.82% |
| ARESAres Management Corp A | -1.09% | 0.10% | 1.19% |
| AIGAmerican International Gr | -1.19% | 0.17% | 1.36% |
| TMUST-Mobile Usa Inc Esrw Usd Npv Ref Sm#585558 | -1.41% | 0.34% | 1.75% |
| DOXAmdocs Ltd. | -1.21% | 0.02% | 1.23% |
| PAYXPaychex, Inc. | -1.42% | 0.15% | 1.57% |
| PFSIPennymac Financial Services Inc | -1.42% | 0.01% | 1.43% |
| ACIAlbertsons Cos. Llc / Safeway Inc. / New Albertsons Inc. | -1.46% | 0.02% | 1.48% |
| SYFSynchrony Financial | -1.55% | 0.10% | 1.65% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDGE 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, HDGE or VYM?
HDGE has an expense ratio of 3.62% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $358 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDGE or VYM?
Over the past year HDGE returned -3.12% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HDGE annualized -15.74% vs +9.80% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDGE or VYM?
HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 12.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HDGE -94.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HDGE and VYM?
HDGE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between HDGE and VYM?
At least 3.1% of VYM's money is in holdings HDGE also owns. Our book for HDGE is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 16 positions in common, counted across the 60 positions we hold weights for in HDGE and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDGE or VYM?
HDGE yields 3.99% while VYM yields 2.22%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HDGE?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.