JPC vs VYM
Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JPC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.14% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.90% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 260 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.98% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.02% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.47% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.56% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JPC vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JPC returned +5.02% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, JPC is up 0.98% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, JPC compounded at +16.47% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.56% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -0.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JPC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -82.5% for JPC 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JPC charges 2.14% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $214 vs $4 annually, a gap of $210 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JPC currently yields 9.90% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JPC and VYM share 5 holdings out of 812 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JPC or VYM?
JPC has an expense ratio of 2.14% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $210 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JPC or VYM?
Over the past year JPC returned +5.02% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), JPC annualized -0.82% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JPC or VYM?
JPC has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JPC -82.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JPC and VYM?
JPC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JPC and VYM?
JPC and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 812 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JPC or VYM?
JPC yields 9.90% while VYM yields 2.24%, so JPC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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