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

MetricSIXDVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.04%
AUM$388M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings5568
YTD Return+8.91%+15.80%
1Y Return+13.48%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)6.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-10.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 31, 2024Nov 10, 2006

SIXD vs VYM Performance

AllianzIM US Equity 6 Month Buffer10 Jun/Dec ETF (SIXD) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIXD returned +13.48% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SIXD is up 8.91% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.0% for SIXD. 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 -10.9% for SIXD 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SIXD 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, SIXD currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SIXD or VYM?

SIXD 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, SIXD or VYM?

Over the past year SIXD returned +13.48% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SIXD annualized +11.17% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SIXD or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.0% for SIXD. Worst drawdown: SIXD -10.9% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SIXD and VYM?

SIXD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SIXD or VYM?

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

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