KNRG vs VYM
Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, KNRG or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
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 | KNRG | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $152M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.88% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 37 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +3.41% | +13.75%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +19.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4%Best | 8.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7%Best | -6.7% |
| $10,000 over 1.3 years | $11,123 | $13,141Best |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 27, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 28, 2025 to Sep 9, 2026 (1.3 years).
KNRG vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.3 years both funds cover.
KNRG vs VYM Performance
Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) is an ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNRG returned +5.72% while VYM returned +19.42%. Year to date, KNRG is up 3.41% versus a gain of 13.75% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.7% compared with 3.4% for KNRG. 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 -2.7% for KNRG and -6.7% 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNRG charges 0.76% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $4 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNRG currently yields 6.88% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 30 holdings in KNRG and 603 in VYM, totalling 81.5% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 30 positions we hold weights for in KNRG and 603 in VYM, against full books of 37 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of KNRG 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, KNRG or VYM?
KNRG has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, KNRG or VYM?
Over the past year KNRG returned +5.72% vs +19.42% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), KNRG annualized +8.53% vs +23.38% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, KNRG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 8.7% annualized versus 3.4% for KNRG. Worst drawdown: KNRG -2.7% vs VYM -6.7%.
Should I hold both KNRG and VYM?
KNRG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNRG or VYM?
KNRG yields 6.88% while VYM yields 2.22%, so KNRG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than KNRG?
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.