SEPZ vs VYM
TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) 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 | SEPZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $132M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.25% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.00% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.74% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.52% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SEPZ vs VYM Performance
TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF (SEPZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEPZ returned +13.00% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SEPZ is up 9.25% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, SEPZ compounded at +13.74% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.52% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SEPZ has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.6% for SEPZ. 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 -17.1% for SEPZ 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEPZ 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, SEPZ currently yields 2.05% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SEPZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEPZ or VYM?
SEPZ 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, SEPZ or VYM?
Over the past year SEPZ returned +13.00% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SEPZ annualized +11.57% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEPZ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.6% for SEPZ. Worst drawdown: SEPZ -17.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SEPZ and VYM?
SEPZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEPZ and VYM?
SEPZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEPZ or VYM?
SEPZ yields 2.05% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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