SFTY vs VYM
Horizon Managed Risk 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 | SFTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $784M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.96% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SFTY vs VYM Performance
Horizon Managed Risk ETF (SFTY) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SFTY returned +19.96% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, SFTY is up 12.56% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.2% for SFTY. 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 -8.6% for SFTY 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SFTY charges 0.77% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $4 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SFTY currently yields 0.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SFTY and VYM share 81 holdings out of 689 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SFTY or VYM?
SFTY has an expense ratio of 0.77% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SFTY or VYM?
Over the past year SFTY returned +19.96% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SFTY annualized +21.77% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SFTY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.2% for SFTY. Worst drawdown: SFTY -8.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SFTY and VYM?
SFTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SFTY and VYM?
SFTY and VYM share 81 common holdings with a 31.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 689 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SFTY or VYM?
SFTY yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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