HGER vs VYM
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HGER delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGER | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +35.60% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.53% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.74% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HGER vs VYM Performance
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF (HGER) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGER returned +46.53% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, HGER is up 35.60% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, HGER compounded at +20.74% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, HGER has the edge at +16.40% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% for HGER. 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 -23.3% for HGER 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGER charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGER currently yields 6.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGER or VYM?
HGER has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGER or VYM?
Over the past year HGER returned +46.53% vs +26.05% for VYM, so HGER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HGER annualized +16.40% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGER or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for HGER. Worst drawdown: HGER -23.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HGER and VYM?
HGER and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGER or VYM?
HGER yields 6.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HGER currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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