QHDG vs VYM
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 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 | QHDG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.28% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QHDG vs VYM Performance
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 ETF (QHDG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QHDG is up 1.47% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.8% for QHDG. 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 -15.3% for QHDG 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QHDG charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QHDG currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QHDG and VYM share 28 holdings out of 676 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QHDG or VYM?
QHDG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QHDG or VYM?
Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QHDG annualized +10.58% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QHDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.8% for QHDG. Worst drawdown: QHDG -15.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QHDG and VYM?
QHDG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QHDG and VYM?
QHDG and VYM share 28 common holdings with a 15.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 676 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QHDG or VYM?
QHDG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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