JAPN vs VYM
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator 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 | JAPN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $25M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.40% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.03% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JAPN vs VYM Performance
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAPN returned -11.03% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, JAPN is down 0.40% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JAPN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -23.9% for JAPN 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAPN charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAPN currently yields 0.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JAPN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 591 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, JAPN or VYM?
JAPN has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAPN or VYM?
Over the past year JAPN returned -11.03% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JAPN annualized +2.12% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAPN or VYM?
JAPN has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JAPN -23.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JAPN and VYM?
JAPN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAPN and VYM?
JAPN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAPN or VYM?
JAPN yields 0.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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