KMID vs VYM
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KMID | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $47M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.44% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KMID vs VYM Performance
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KMID returned +0.99% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, KMID is up 2.44% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.9% for KMID. 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 -18.9% for KMID 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KMID charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KMID currently yields 0.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KMID and VYM share 4 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KMID or VYM?
KMID has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KMID or VYM?
Over the past year KMID returned +0.99% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KMID annualized +0.17% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KMID or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.9% for KMID. Worst drawdown: KMID -18.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KMID and VYM?
KMID and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KMID and VYM?
KMID and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KMID or VYM?
KMID yields 0.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, 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.