UPAR vs VYM
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity 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 | UPAR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $59M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 140 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.92% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.61% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Rpar ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UPAR vs VYM Performance
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, UPAR is up 5.92% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, UPAR compounded at +10.91% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -39.0% for UPAR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPAR charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPAR currently yields 3.46% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UPAR and VYM share 19 holdings out of 668 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPAR or VYM?
UPAR has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPAR or VYM?
Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), UPAR annualized -1.06% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPAR or VYM?
UPAR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UPAR -39.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UPAR and VYM?
UPAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPAR and VYM?
UPAR and VYM share 19 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 668 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPAR or VYM?
UPAR yields 3.46% while VYM yields 2.86%, so UPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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