UPSD vs VYM
UPSD vs VYM
Aptus Large Cap Upside 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 | UPSD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $114M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.83% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.15% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UPSD vs VYM Performance
Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPSD returned +21.15% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, UPSD is up 12.83% 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 14.4% for UPSD. 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 -23.9% for UPSD 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPSD charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPSD currently yields 0.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UPSD and VYM share 41 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UPSD | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 1.19% | 6.47% | 5.28% |
| JNJ | 1.62% | 2.62% | 1.00% |
| XOM | 1.24% | 2.83% | 1.59% |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings UPSD shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPSD or VYM?
UPSD has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPSD or VYM?
Over the past year UPSD returned +21.15% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), UPSD annualized +11.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPSD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for UPSD. Worst drawdown: UPSD -23.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UPSD and VYM?
UPSD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPSD and VYM?
UPSD and VYM share 41 common holdings with a 20.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPSD or VYM?
UPSD yields 0.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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