NJNK vs VYM
Columbia US High Yield 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 | NJNK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.44% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 462 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.39% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NJNK vs VYM Performance
Columbia US High Yield ETF (NJNK) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NJNK returned +5.72% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, NJNK is up 2.39% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.1% for NJNK. 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 -4.5% for NJNK 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJNK charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NJNK currently yields 6.44% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NJNK and VYM share 0 holdings out of 948 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, NJNK or VYM?
NJNK has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NJNK or VYM?
Over the past year NJNK returned +5.72% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NJNK annualized +5.86% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NJNK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.1% for NJNK. Worst drawdown: NJNK -4.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NJNK and VYM?
NJNK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NJNK and VYM?
NJNK and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 948 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NJNK or VYM?
NJNK yields 6.44% while VYM yields 2.24%, so NJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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