KNRG vs VYM
Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNRG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $151M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.92% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.09% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.07% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KNRG vs VYM Performance
Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNRG returned +7.07% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, KNRG is up 3.09% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.80. 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 6.92% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KNRG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 591 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNRG or VYM?
Over the past year KNRG returned +7.07% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), KNRG annualized +8.81% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNRG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for KNRG. Worst drawdown: KNRG -2.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KNRG and VYM?
KNRG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNRG and VYM?
KNRG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNRG or VYM?
KNRG yields 6.92% while VYM yields 2.86%, so KNRG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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