URNJ vs VYM
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. URNJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URNJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $366M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.63% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -12.34% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.21% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.23% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
URNJ vs VYM Performance
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URNJ returned +32.21% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, URNJ is down 12.34% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, URNJ compounded at +17.23% per year against +19.07% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, URNJ has the edge at +11.20% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.6% 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 -57.7% for URNJ 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URNJ charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URNJ currently yields 7.63% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
URNJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 641 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URNJ or VYM?
URNJ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URNJ or VYM?
Over the past year URNJ returned +32.21% vs +23.48% for VYM, so URNJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), URNJ annualized +11.20% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URNJ or VYM?
URNJ has been the more volatile fund at 46.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: URNJ -57.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both URNJ and VYM?
URNJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URNJ and VYM?
URNJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URNJ or VYM?
URNJ yields 7.63% while VYM yields 2.24%, so URNJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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