OCTW vs VYM
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Oct 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 | OCTW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $323M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.81% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.64% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
OCTW vs VYM Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Oct ETF (OCTW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OCTW returned +9.89% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, OCTW is up 6.81% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, OCTW compounded at +10.64% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.13% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, OCTW has the edge at +9.07% annualized vs +7.03%. 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 5.1% for OCTW. 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 -8.4% for OCTW 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OCTW charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OCTW currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OCTW or VYM?
OCTW has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OCTW or VYM?
Over the past year OCTW returned +9.89% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), OCTW annualized +9.07% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OCTW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.1% for OCTW. Worst drawdown: OCTW -8.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both OCTW and VYM?
OCTW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OCTW or VYM?
OCTW yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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