MARZ 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

MetricMARZVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.04%
AUM$32M$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.08%2.86%
Holdings12568
YTD Return+9.79%+16.53%
1Y Return+11.50%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.98%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.73%+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)11.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-18.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyTrueSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 26, 2021Nov 10, 2006

MARZ vs VYM Performance

TrueShares Structured Outcome March ETF (MARZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARZ returned +11.50% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, MARZ is up 9.79% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, MARZ compounded at +12.98% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, MARZ has the edge at +10.07% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 11.1% for MARZ. 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 -18.9% for MARZ 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MARZ charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARZ currently yields 3.08% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MARZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MARZ or VYM?

MARZ has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MARZ or VYM?

Over the past year MARZ returned +11.50% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MARZ annualized +10.07% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MARZ or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.1% for MARZ. Worst drawdown: MARZ -18.9% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both MARZ and VYM?

MARZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MARZ and VYM?

MARZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MARZ or VYM?

MARZ yields 3.08% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MARZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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