MORT vs VYM
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MORT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $375M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.75% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.32% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.50% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.24% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MORT vs VYM Performance
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF (MORT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MORT returned +7.50% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, MORT is down 1.32% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, MORT compounded at +6.21% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.24% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -2.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MORT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -75.0% for MORT 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MORT charges 0.43% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $4 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MORT currently yields 12.75% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MORT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 583 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, MORT or VYM?
MORT has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MORT or VYM?
Over the past year MORT returned +7.50% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MORT annualized -2.01% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MORT or VYM?
MORT has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MORT -75.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MORT and VYM?
MORT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MORT and VYM?
MORT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MORT or VYM?
MORT yields 12.75% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MORT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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