QTUM vs VYM
Defiance Quantum ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTUM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +33.25% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.82% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.54% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.22% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QTUM vs VYM Performance
Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTUM returned +63.82% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QTUM is up 33.25% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, QTUM compounded at +46.54% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +26.22% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QTUM has the edge at +26.16% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% 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 -38.5% for QTUM 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTUM charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTUM currently yields 0.83% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QTUM and VYM share 14 holdings out of 676 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTUM or VYM?
QTUM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTUM or VYM?
Over the past year QTUM returned +63.82% vs +22.16% for VYM, so QTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QTUM annualized +26.16% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTUM or VYM?
QTUM has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QTUM -38.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QTUM and VYM?
QTUM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTUM and VYM?
QTUM and VYM share 14 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 676 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTUM or VYM?
QTUM yields 0.83% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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