HOLD vs VYM
Harbor Alpha Layering 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 | HOLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.05% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.63% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HOLD vs VYM Performance
Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HOLD returned +14.63% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, HOLD is up 5.05% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -9.5% for HOLD 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HOLD charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HOLD 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, HOLD or VYM?
HOLD has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HOLD or VYM?
Over the past year HOLD returned +14.63% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HOLD or VYM?
HOLD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HOLD -9.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HOLD and VYM?
HOLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HOLD and VYM?
HOLD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
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