MEDI vs VYM
Harbor Health Care ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MEDI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $42M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.37% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.26% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.11% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MEDI vs VYM Performance
Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEDI returned +31.26% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MEDI is up 8.37% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, MEDI compounded at +16.11% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDI has the edge at +16.58% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.2% for MEDI 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEDI charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDI currently yields 0.04% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MEDI and VYM share 5 holdings out of 596 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDI or VYM?
MEDI has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDI or VYM?
Over the past year MEDI returned +31.26% vs +26.12% for VYM, so MEDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDI annualized +16.58% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDI or VYM?
MEDI has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MEDI -19.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MEDI and VYM?
MEDI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEDI and VYM?
MEDI and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDI or VYM?
MEDI yields 0.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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