NERD vs VYM
Roundhill Video Games 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 | NERD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -8.59% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.11% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.63% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Roundhill Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NERD vs VYM Performance
Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, NERD is down 8.59% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, NERD compounded at +15.19% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.63% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -65.6% for NERD 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NERD charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NERD currently yields 1.40% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NERD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 598 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, NERD or VYM?
NERD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NERD or VYM?
Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NERD annualized +6.37% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NERD or VYM?
NERD has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NERD -65.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NERD and VYM?
NERD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NERD and VYM?
NERD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NERD or VYM?
NERD yields 1.40% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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