KNOW vs VYM
Fundamentals First 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 | KNOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.94% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.40% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fundamentals First Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KNOW vs VYM Performance
Fundamentals First ETF (KNOW) is a ETF from Fundamentals First Fund and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNOW returned +16.40% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, KNOW is up 13.94% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.6% for KNOW. 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 -16.0% for KNOW 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
KNOW charges 1.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $4 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNOW currently yields 1.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KNOW and VYM share 23 holdings out of 670 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNOW or VYM?
KNOW has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNOW or VYM?
Over the past year KNOW returned +16.40% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), KNOW annualized +10.78% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNOW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.6% for KNOW. Worst drawdown: KNOW -16.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KNOW and VYM?
KNOW 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 KNOW and VYM?
KNOW and VYM share 23 common holdings with a 5.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 670 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNOW or VYM?
KNOW yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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