KNO vs VYM
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $46M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +25.52% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.16% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KNO vs VYM Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNO returned +31.16% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, KNO is up 25.52% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $4 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNO or VYM?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or VYM?
Over the past year KNO returned +31.16% vs +24.22% for VYM, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.79% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or VYM?
KNO has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KNO and VYM?
KNO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and VYM?
KNO and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 665 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or VYM?
KNO yields 0.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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