UPGD vs VYM
Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers 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 | UPGD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $120M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.41% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.72% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.79% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UPGD vs VYM Performance
Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers ETF (UPGD) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPGD returned +18.72% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, UPGD is up 13.41% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, UPGD compounded at +13.73% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.79% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, UPGD has the edge at +8.03% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -60.7% for UPGD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPGD charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPGD currently yields 1.58% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UPGD and VYM share 28 holdings out of 581 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPGD or VYM?
UPGD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPGD or VYM?
Over the past year UPGD returned +18.72% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UPGD annualized +8.03% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPGD or VYM?
UPGD has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UPGD -60.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UPGD and VYM?
UPGD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPGD and VYM?
UPGD and VYM share 28 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPGD or VYM?
UPGD yields 1.58% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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