UPGR vs VYM
Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UPGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPGR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.90% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.58% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UPGR vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPGR returned +31.58% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, UPGR is up 0.90% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -35.5% for UPGR 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPGR charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPGR currently yields 0.28% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UPGR and VYM share 3 holdings out of 600 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPGR or VYM?
UPGR has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPGR or VYM?
Over the past year UPGR returned +31.58% vs +26.12% for VYM, so UPGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), UPGR annualized +11.48% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPGR or VYM?
UPGR has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UPGR -35.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UPGR and VYM?
UPGR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPGR and VYM?
UPGR and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPGR or VYM?
UPGR yields 0.28% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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