HIGH vs VYM
Simplify Enhanced Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HIGH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $67M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.14% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.77% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.57% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HIGH vs VYM Performance
Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HIGH returned -1.77% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, HIGH is down 0.14% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, HIGH compounded at +2.57% per year against +18.34% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +3.55%. 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 6.2% for HIGH. 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 -9.5% for HIGH 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIGH 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, HIGH currently yields 6.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HIGH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, HIGH or VYM?
HIGH 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, HIGH or VYM?
Over the past year HIGH returned -1.77% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HIGH annualized +3.55% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIGH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.2% for HIGH. Worst drawdown: HIGH -9.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HIGH and VYM?
HIGH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIGH and VYM?
HIGH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIGH or VYM?
HIGH yields 6.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HIGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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