HELO vs VYM
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HELO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.82% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.45% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HELO vs VYM Performance
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HELO returned +10.45% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, HELO is up 5.82% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.5% for HELO. 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 -10.9% for HELO 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELO charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HELO currently yields 0.71% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HELO and VYM share 55 holdings out of 656 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HELO or VYM?
HELO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HELO or VYM?
Over the past year HELO returned +10.45% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HELO annualized +13.32% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.5% for HELO. Worst drawdown: HELO -10.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HELO and VYM?
HELO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELO and VYM?
HELO and VYM share 55 common holdings with a 25.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 656 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELO or VYM?
HELO yields 0.71% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.