JLS vs VYM
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund 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 | JLS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.90% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JLS vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.11% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +11.99% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.8% for JLS. 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 -51.2% for JLS 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $4 annually, a gap of $158 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JLS currently yields 9.78% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or VYM?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $158 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or VYM?
Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), JLS annualized +0.55% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JLS and VYM?
JLS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or VYM?
JLS yields 9.78% while VYM yields 2.86%, so JLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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