LGRO vs VYM
Level Four Large Cap Growth Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LGRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LGRO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $135M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.09% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.31% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.56% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 22, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LGRO vs VYM Performance
Level Four Large Cap Growth Active ETF (LGRO) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LGRO returned +25.31% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, LGRO is up 17.09% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, LGRO compounded at +24.56% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, LGRO has the edge at +24.56% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.3% for LGRO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGRO charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGRO currently yields 0.36% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LGRO and VYM share 10 holdings out of 596 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGRO or VYM?
LGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGRO or VYM?
Over the past year LGRO returned +25.31% vs +24.43% for VYM, so LGRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LGRO annualized +24.56% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGRO or VYM?
LGRO has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LGRO -23.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LGRO and VYM?
LGRO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGRO and VYM?
LGRO and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGRO or VYM?
LGRO yields 0.36% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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