MARW vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMARWVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.04%
AUM$87M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings5568
YTD Return+6.62%+16.16%
1Y Return+11.09%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.05%+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)4.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-7.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 28, 2023Nov 10, 2006

MARW vs VYM Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Mar ETF (MARW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARW returned +11.09% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, MARW is up 6.62% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Over three years, MARW compounded at +11.05% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, MARW has the edge at +11.73% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.9% for MARW. 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 -7.6% for MARW 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MARW charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARW currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MARW or VYM?

MARW has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MARW or VYM?

Over the past year MARW returned +11.09% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MARW annualized +11.73% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MARW or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.9% for MARW. Worst drawdown: MARW -7.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both MARW and VYM?

MARW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, MARW or VYM?

MARW yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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