LSEQ vs VYM
Harbor Long-Short Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LSEQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LSEQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 155 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.79% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.75% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LSEQ vs VYM Performance
Harbor Long-Short Equity ETF (LSEQ) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LSEQ returned +31.75% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, LSEQ is up 27.79% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.3% for LSEQ. 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 -10.9% for LSEQ 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LSEQ charges 2.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $228 vs $4 annually, a gap of $224 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSEQ currently yields 1.79% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LSEQ and VYM share 49 holdings out of 708 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LSEQ or VYM?
LSEQ has an expense ratio of 2.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $224 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LSEQ or VYM?
Over the past year LSEQ returned +31.75% vs +21.14% for VYM, so LSEQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LSEQ annualized +15.85% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LSEQ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.3% for LSEQ. Worst drawdown: LSEQ -10.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LSEQ and VYM?
LSEQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LSEQ and VYM?
LSEQ and VYM share 49 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 708 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LSEQ or VYM?
LSEQ yields 1.79% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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