MEDX vs VYM
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MEDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $17M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.06% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.73% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.32% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MEDX vs VYM Performance
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEDX returned +34.73% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, MEDX is up 14.06% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, MEDX compounded at +11.32% per year against +19.07% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDX has the edge at +8.77% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -21.6% for MEDX 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEDX charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDX currently yields 1.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MEDX and VYM share 7 holdings out of 627 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDX or VYM?
MEDX has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDX or VYM?
Over the past year MEDX returned +34.73% vs +23.48% for VYM, so MEDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDX annualized +8.77% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDX or VYM?
MEDX has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MEDX -21.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MEDX and VYM?
MEDX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEDX and VYM?
MEDX and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 627 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDX or VYM?
MEDX yields 1.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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