HIGH vs VYM
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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HIGH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $69M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.87% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.36% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 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 +0.87% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, HIGH is up 1.67% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, HIGH compounded at +3.36% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.10%. 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 6.3% 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 0.00. 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 7.09% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HIGH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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 +0.87% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HIGH annualized +4.10% vs +7.07% 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 6.3% 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 0.00, 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 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIGH or VYM?
HIGH yields 7.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HIGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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