QQH vs VYM
HCM Defender 100 Index 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $706M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.11% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.69% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.76% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QQH vs VYM Performance
HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQH returned +18.69% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, QQH is up 12.11% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, QQH compounded at +22.76% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.34% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQH has the edge at +19.87% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -41.9% for QQH 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQH charges 0.98% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $4 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQH currently yields 0.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQH and VYM share 28 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQH or VYM?
QQH has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQH or VYM?
Over the past year QQH returned +18.69% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQH annualized +19.87% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQH or VYM?
QQH has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QQH -41.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QQH and VYM?
QQH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQH and VYM?
QQH and VYM share 28 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQH or VYM?
QQH yields 0.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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