TAX vs VYM
TAX vs VYM
Cambria Tax Aware 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 | TAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $25M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.57% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.45% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TAX vs VYM Performance
Cambria Tax Aware ETF (TAX) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAX returned +21.45% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, TAX is up 11.57% 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 13.3% for TAX. 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 -18.9% for TAX 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
TAX charges 0.54% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $4 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TAX currently yields 0.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TAX and VYM share 1 holdings out of 656 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in TAX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMKR | 1.15% | 0.03% | 1.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TAX or VYM?
TAX has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TAX or VYM?
Over the past year TAX returned +21.45% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TAX annualized +18.52% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TAX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for TAX. Worst drawdown: TAX -18.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TAX and VYM?
TAX 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 TAX and VYM?
TAX and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 656 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAX or VYM?
TAX yields 0.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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