SWAN vs VYM
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWAN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $157M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.45% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.19% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.22% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.44% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SWAN vs VYM Performance
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWAN returned +11.19% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SWAN is up 6.45% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SWAN compounded at +13.22% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.44% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +6.23%. 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 11.9% for SWAN. 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 -31.0% for SWAN 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWAN charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWAN currently yields 3.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SWAN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 567 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, SWAN or VYM?
SWAN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWAN or VYM?
Over the past year SWAN returned +11.19% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SWAN annualized +6.23% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWAN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.9% for SWAN. Worst drawdown: SWAN -31.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SWAN and VYM?
SWAN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWAN and VYM?
SWAN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWAN or VYM?
SWAN yields 3.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SWAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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