KNG vs VYM
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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 | KNG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.69% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.63% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.03% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KNG vs VYM Performance
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNG returned +9.69% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, KNG is up 7.81% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, KNG compounded at +7.63% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.03% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, KNG has the edge at +7.44% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -35.1% for KNG 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNG charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNG currently yields 8.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KNG and VYM share 49 holdings out of 623 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNG or VYM?
KNG has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNG or VYM?
Over the past year KNG returned +9.69% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), KNG annualized +7.44% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNG or VYM?
KNG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KNG -35.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KNG and VYM?
KNG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between KNG and VYM?
KNG and VYM share 49 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 623 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNG or VYM?
KNG yields 8.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so KNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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