OUSA vs VYM
O Shares US Quality Dividend 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 | OUSA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $754M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.25% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.27% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.96% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.29% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
OUSA vs VYM Performance
O Shares US Quality Dividend ETF (OUSA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUSA returned +16.27% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, OUSA is up 9.25% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, OUSA compounded at +13.96% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.29% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, OUSA has the edge at +9.50% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 13.2% for OUSA. 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 -33.4% for OUSA 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUSA charges 0.48% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $4 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUSA currently yields 1.47% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
OUSA and VYM share 63 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUSA or VYM?
OUSA has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUSA or VYM?
Over the past year OUSA returned +16.27% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), OUSA annualized +9.50% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUSA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.2% for OUSA. Worst drawdown: OUSA -33.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both OUSA and VYM?
OUSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between OUSA and VYM?
OUSA and VYM share 63 common holdings with a 33.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUSA or VYM?
OUSA yields 1.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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