JQC vs VYM
Nuveen Credit Strategies 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 | JQC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.48% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 471 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.69% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.13% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.14% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JQC vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JQC returned -0.13% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, JQC is up 3.69% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, JQC compounded at +10.59% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.14% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -2.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JQC 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 -81.3% for JQC 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JQC charges 5.48% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $548 vs $4 annually, a gap of $544 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JQC currently yields 11.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JQC and VYM share 1 holdings out of 821 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JQC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYB | 0.00% | 0.06% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JQC or VYM?
JQC has an expense ratio of 5.48% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $544 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JQC or VYM?
Over the past year JQC returned -0.13% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), JQC annualized -2.27% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JQC or VYM?
JQC has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JQC -81.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JQC and VYM?
JQC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JQC and VYM?
JQC and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JQC or VYM?
JQC yields 11.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so JQC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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