OUNZ vs VYM
VanEck Merk Gold ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.43% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.94% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
OUNZ vs VYM Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 6.43% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +34.19% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.39% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, OUNZ has the edge at +10.57% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or VYM?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUNZ or VYM?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% vs +23.24% for VYM, so OUNZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +10.57% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or VYM?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and VYM?
OUNZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or VYM?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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