SEPU vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSEPUVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.04%
AUM$156M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings4568
YTD Return+10.48%+16.53%
1Y Return+15.91%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)9.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-11.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 30, 2024Nov 10, 2006

SEPU vs VYM Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Sep ETF (SEPU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEPU returned +15.91% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SEPU is up 10.48% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.5% for SEPU. 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 -11.8% for SEPU 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SEPU charges 0.74% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $4 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEPU currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SEPU or VYM?

SEPU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SEPU or VYM?

Over the past year SEPU returned +15.91% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SEPU annualized +14.40% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SEPU or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.5% for SEPU. Worst drawdown: SEPU -11.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SEPU and VYM?

SEPU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SEPU or VYM?

SEPU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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