QGRO vs VYM
American Century US Quality Growth 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 | QGRO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.91% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.96% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.87% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.33% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QGRO vs VYM Performance
American Century US Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QGRO returned +7.96% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, QGRO is up 3.91% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, QGRO compounded at +19.87% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.33% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QGRO has the edge at +14.92% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -32.6% for QGRO 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRO charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRO currently yields 0.18% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QGRO and VYM share 47 holdings out of 699 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QGRO or VYM?
QGRO has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QGRO or VYM?
Over the past year QGRO returned +7.96% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QGRO annualized +14.92% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRO or VYM?
QGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QGRO -32.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QGRO and VYM?
QGRO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRO and VYM?
QGRO and VYM share 47 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 699 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRO or VYM?
QGRO yields 0.18% while VYM yields 2.86%, 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.