KOOL vs VYM
KOOL vs VYM
North Shore Equity Rotation 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 | KOOL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $57M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.39% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | North Shore Indices | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KOOL vs VYM Performance
North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) is a ETF from North Shore Indices and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOOL returned +22.18% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, KOOL is up 15.39% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.4% for KOOL. 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 -20.6% for KOOL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOOL charges 0.94% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $4 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOOL currently yields 0.43% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KOOL and VYM share 12 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KOOL | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.21% | 6.47% | 4.26% |
| JNJ | 2.49% | 2.62% | 0.13% |
| KMI | 3.22% | 0.28% | 2.94% |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NEE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CFG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NVT:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings KOOL shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOOL or VYM?
KOOL has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOOL or VYM?
Over the past year KOOL returned +22.18% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KOOL annualized +18.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOOL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.4% for KOOL. Worst drawdown: KOOL -20.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KOOL and VYM?
KOOL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOOL and VYM?
KOOL and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 9.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOOL or VYM?
KOOL yields 0.43% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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