PRCS vs VYM
Parnassus Core Select 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 | PRCS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $183M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.12% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.88% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.01% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Parnassus Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PRCS vs VYM Performance
Parnassus Core Select ETF (PRCS) is a ETF from Parnassus Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PRCS returned +13.01% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, PRCS is up 9.88% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.7% for PRCS. 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 -18.2% for PRCS 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PRCS charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PRCS currently yields 0.12% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PRCS and VYM share 6 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PRCS or VYM?
PRCS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PRCS or VYM?
Over the past year PRCS returned +13.01% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PRCS annualized +10.45% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PRCS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.7% for PRCS. Worst drawdown: PRCS -18.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PRCS and VYM?
PRCS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PRCS and VYM?
PRCS and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PRCS or VYM?
PRCS yields 0.12% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.