IPAY vs VYM
Amplify Digital Payments 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 | IPAY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $188M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.04% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.38% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.56% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IPAY vs VYM Performance
Amplify Digital Payments ETF (IPAY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, IPAY is up 1.04% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, IPAY compounded at +7.87% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -5.56% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +6.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% 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 -51.8% for IPAY 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPAY charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPAY currently yields 0.82% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IPAY and VYM share 5 holdings out of 639 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPAY or VYM?
IPAY has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPAY or VYM?
Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IPAY annualized +6.95% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPAY or VYM?
IPAY has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IPAY -51.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IPAY and VYM?
IPAY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPAY and VYM?
IPAY and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 639 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPAY or VYM?
IPAY yields 0.82% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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