KYN vs VYM
KYN vs VYM
Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. 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 | KYN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 10.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.18% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.75% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.11% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.46% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.34% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KYN vs VYM Performance
Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (KYN) is a ETF from Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KYN returned +22.11% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, KYN is up 19.75% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, KYN compounded at +28.46% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +23.34% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KYN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.2% 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 -95.1% for KYN 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KYN charges 10.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $1000 vs $4 annually, a gap of $996 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KYN currently yields 6.18% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KYN and VYM share 8 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KYN | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMI | 7.69% | 0.28% | 7.41% |
| OKE | 5.97% | 0.23% | 5.74% |
| TRGP | 3.76% | 0.22% | 3.54% |
| DTM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AROC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings KYN 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, KYN or VYM?
KYN has an expense ratio of 10.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $996 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KYN or VYM?
Over the past year KYN returned +22.11% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KYN annualized -0.41% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KYN or VYM?
KYN has been the more volatile fund at 30.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KYN -95.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KYN and VYM?
KYN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KYN and VYM?
KYN and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KYN or VYM?
KYN yields 6.18% while VYM yields 2.86%, so KYN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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