HERD vs VYM
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HERD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HERD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $98M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.06% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.14% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.15% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.25% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HERD vs VYM Performance
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERD returned +32.14% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, HERD is up 18.06% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, HERD compounded at +16.15% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.25% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERD has the edge at +13.48% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 14.6% 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 -39.4% for HERD 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERD charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERD currently yields 2.89% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HERD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 564 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, HERD or VYM?
HERD has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERD or VYM?
Over the past year HERD returned +32.14% vs +26.12% for VYM, so HERD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERD annualized +13.48% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERD or VYM?
HERD has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HERD -39.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HERD and VYM?
HERD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between HERD and VYM?
HERD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HERD or VYM?
HERD yields 2.89% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HERD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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