SURE vs VYM
AdvisorShares Insider Advantage ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SURE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SURE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $58M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +18.67% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.88% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.86% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SURE vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares Insider Advantage ETF (SURE) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SURE returned +27.88% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, SURE is up 18.67% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, SURE compounded at +17.46% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.86% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SURE has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SURE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -35.7% for SURE 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SURE charges 0.90% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $4 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SURE currently yields 0.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SURE and VYM share 25 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SURE or VYM?
SURE has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SURE or VYM?
Over the past year SURE returned +27.88% vs +23.95% for VYM, so SURE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SURE annualized +13.44% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SURE or VYM?
SURE has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SURE -35.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SURE and VYM?
SURE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SURE and VYM?
SURE and VYM share 25 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SURE or VYM?
SURE yields 0.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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