MRSK vs VYM
Toews Agility Shares Managed Risk 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MRSK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $322M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.89% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.82% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.54% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | TOEWS Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MRSK vs VYM Performance
Toews Agility Shares Managed Risk ETF (MRSK) is a ETF from TOEWS Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MRSK returned +14.82% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, MRSK is up 6.89% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, MRSK compounded at +11.76% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.54% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, MRSK has the edge at +11.18% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 10.3% for MRSK. 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 -14.7% for MRSK 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MRSK charges 0.98% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $4 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MRSK currently yields 0.35% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MRSK and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, MRSK or VYM?
MRSK has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MRSK or VYM?
Over the past year MRSK returned +14.82% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MRSK annualized +11.18% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MRSK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.3% for MRSK. Worst drawdown: MRSK -14.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MRSK and VYM?
MRSK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MRSK and VYM?
MRSK and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MRSK or VYM?
MRSK yields 0.35% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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