KMAR vs VYM
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, KMAR or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. KMAR led over the full window, VYM over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KMAR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $32M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +10.84% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.56% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2%Best | 9.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1%Best | -12.9% |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $12,574Best | $12,385 |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 3, 2025 to Sep 18, 2026 (1.5 years).
KMAR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.5 years both funds cover.
KMAR vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March (KMAR) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KMAR returned +14.56% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, KMAR is up 10.84% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.9% compared with 7.2% for KMAR. 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 -10.1% for KMAR and -12.9% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KMAR charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KMAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of KMAR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KMAR or VYM?
KMAR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $75 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, KMAR or VYM?
Over the past year KMAR returned +14.56% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KMAR annualized +16.50% vs +15.33% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, KMAR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 9.9% annualized versus 7.2% for KMAR. Worst drawdown: KMAR -10.1% vs VYM -12.9%.
Should I hold both KMAR and VYM?
KMAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, KMAR or VYM?
KMAR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than KMAR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. KMAR led over the full window, VYM over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.