TCAI vs VYM
Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. TCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TCAI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $245M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +49.26% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +86.88% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TCAI vs VYM Performance
Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF (TCAI) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TCAI returned +86.88% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, TCAI is up 49.26% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.5% 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 -28.8% for TCAI 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TCAI charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TCAI currently yields 0.03% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TCAI and VYM share 11 holdings out of 642 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TCAI or VYM?
TCAI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TCAI or VYM?
Over the past year TCAI returned +86.88% vs +23.24% for VYM, so TCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TCAI annualized +79.32% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TCAI or VYM?
TCAI has been the more volatile fund at 46.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TCAI -28.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TCAI and VYM?
TCAI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TCAI and VYM?
TCAI and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 642 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TCAI or VYM?
TCAI yields 0.03% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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