NIKL vs VYM
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $51M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -13.66% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.13% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.58% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NIKL vs VYM Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIKL returned +18.13% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, NIKL is down 13.66% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -2.58% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -2.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIKL currently yields 3.11% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 584 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, NIKL or VYM?
NIKL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIKL or VYM?
Over the past year NIKL returned +18.13% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -2.73% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or VYM?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NIKL and VYM?
NIKL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and VYM?
NIKL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or VYM?
NIKL yields 3.11% while VYM yields 2.86%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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