QCON vs VYM
American Century Quality Convertible Securities 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 | QCON | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $24M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.19% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.45% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 16, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QCON vs VYM Performance
American Century Quality Convertible Securities ETF (QCON) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCON returned +11.45% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, QCON is up 5.19% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, QCON compounded at +6.95% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +1.04%. 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 10.6% for QCON. 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 -22.5% for QCON 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCON charges 0.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $4 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCON currently yields 2.64% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCON or VYM?
QCON has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCON or VYM?
Over the past year QCON returned +11.45% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QCON annualized +1.04% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCON or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.6% for QCON. Worst drawdown: QCON -22.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QCON and VYM?
QCON and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCON or VYM?
QCON yields 2.64% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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