JANU vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJANUVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.04%
AUM$81M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings4568
YTD Return+9.35%+16.16%
1Y Return+16.30%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)9.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-11.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 31, 2024Nov 10, 2006

JANU vs VYM Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jan ETF (JANU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JANU returned +16.30% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, JANU is up 9.35% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.1% for JANU. 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 -11.8% for JANU 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

JANU charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JANU currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, JANU or VYM?

JANU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.

Which performed better, JANU or VYM?

Over the past year JANU returned +16.30% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JANU annualized +13.94% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, JANU or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.1% for JANU. Worst drawdown: JANU -11.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both JANU and VYM?

JANU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, JANU or VYM?

JANU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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