PIT vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. PIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: PITMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPITVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.04%
AUM$295M$79.0B
Dividend Yield7.15%2.86%
Holdings30568
YTD Return+38.15%+15.80%
1Y Return+41.67%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.05%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-17.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyVanEckVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 20, 2022Nov 10, 2006

PIT vs VYM Performance

VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIT returned +41.67% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PIT is up 38.15% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, PIT compounded at +16.05% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, PIT has the edge at +14.12% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -17.2% for PIT 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PIT charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIT currently yields 7.15% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PIT or VYM?

PIT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PIT or VYM?

Over the past year PIT returned +41.67% vs +26.12% for VYM, so PIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PIT annualized +14.12% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PIT or VYM?

PIT has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PIT -17.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both PIT and VYM?

PIT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PIT or VYM?

PIT yields 7.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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