LGH vs VYM
HCM Defender 500 Index 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LGH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $565M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.71% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.36% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.25% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LGH vs VYM Performance
HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LGH returned +17.36% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, LGH is up 8.71% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, LGH compounded at +19.85% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.25% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, LGH has the edge at +15.88% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -29.6% for LGH 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGH charges 1.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $4 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGH currently yields 0.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LGH and VYM share 188 holdings out of 785 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGH or VYM?
LGH has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGH or VYM?
Over the past year LGH returned +17.36% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LGH annualized +15.88% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGH or VYM?
LGH has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LGH -29.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LGH and VYM?
LGH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGH and VYM?
LGH and VYM share 188 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGH or VYM?
LGH yields 0.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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