HWAY vs VYM
Themes US Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HWAY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWAY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.28% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HWAY vs VYM Performance
Themes US Infrastructure ETF (HWAY) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, HWAY is up 20.56% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HWAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -25.8% for HWAY 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWAY charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWAY currently yields 1.05% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HWAY and VYM share 26 holdings out of 676 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWAY or VYM?
HWAY has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWAY or VYM?
Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% vs +22.16% for VYM, so HWAY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HWAY annualized +25.42% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWAY or VYM?
HWAY has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HWAY -25.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HWAY and VYM?
HWAY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWAY and VYM?
HWAY and VYM share 26 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 676 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWAY or VYM?
HWAY yields 1.05% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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