KMF vs VYM
Kayne Anderson NextGen Energy & Infrastructure Inc vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, KMF or VYM?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | KMF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $501M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 39 | 613 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.2% | 13.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -94.3% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 15.6 years | $9,409 | $46,151Best |
| Fund Family | Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 64 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. KMF has data through Jul 2, 2026 and VYM through Sep 4, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 15.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 24, 2010 to Jul 2, 2026 (15.6 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.2% compared with 13.0% 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 -94.3% for KMF and -35.7% 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KMF charges 3.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $4 annually, a gap of $316 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KMF currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 5.5% of VYM's money is in holdings KMF also owns.
Only one direction is shown: for KMF, our book for it lists positions totalling 113.5% of the fund, which is what a leveraged book looks like and is not a denominator we can divide by.
VYM and KMF share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 1034 days apart, KMF as of Aug 31, 2023 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
13 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in KMF and 603 in VYM, against full books of 39 and 613.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KMF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMBWilliams Cos. Inc. | 10.96% | 0.38% | 10.58% |
| TRGPTarga Resources Corp Preferred | 9.95% | 0.24% | 9.71% |
| OKEOneok Inc. | 5.75% | 0.23% | 5.52% |
| XOMExxon Mobil Corp. | 3.23% | 2.36% | 0.87% |
| NEENextera Energy Inc | 3.89% | 0.76% | 3.13% |
| SRESempra Energy | 4.22% | 0.25% | 3.97% |
| KMIKinder Morgan Inc./de | 2.43% | 0.26% | 2.17% |
| DUKDuke Energy Corp | 1.63% | 0.41% | 1.22% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corporationam | 1.58% | 0.03% | 1.55% |
| DTMDT Midstream Inc | 1.55% | 0.06% | 1.49% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of KMF 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, KMF or VYM?
KMF has an expense ratio of 3.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $316 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, KMF or VYM?
KMF has been the more volatile fund at 33.2% annualized versus 13.0% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KMF -94.3% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both KMF and VYM?
KMF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between KMF and VYM?
At least 5.5% of VYM's money is in holdings KMF also owns. Our book for KMF is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 13 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in KMF and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, KMF or VYM?
KMF yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than KMF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.