KARS vs VYM
KARS vs VYM
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index 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 | KARS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $76M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.37% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.50% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.14% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 18, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KARS vs VYM Performance
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, KARS is down 1.37% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, KARS compounded at -0.50% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -7.14% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KARS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% 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 -64.8% for KARS 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KARS charges 0.72% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $4 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KARS currently yields 0.18% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KARS and VYM share 1 holdings out of 636 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KARS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 2.10% | 0.09% | 2.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KARS or VYM?
KARS has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KARS or VYM?
Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), KARS annualized +3.94% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KARS or VYM?
KARS has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KARS -64.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KARS and VYM?
KARS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KARS and VYM?
KARS and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 636 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KARS or VYM?
KARS yields 0.18% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.