URNM vs VYM
Sprott Uranium Miners 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 | URNM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.32% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -8.37% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.38% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.08% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 3, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
URNM vs VYM Performance
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URNM returned +20.38% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, URNM is down 8.37% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, URNM compounded at +19.81% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.08% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, URNM has the edge at +28.26% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.0% 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 -50.8% for URNM 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URNM charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URNM currently yields 3.32% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
URNM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 583 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, URNM or VYM?
URNM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URNM or VYM?
Over the past year URNM returned +20.38% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), URNM annualized +28.26% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URNM or VYM?
URNM has been the more volatile fund at 46.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: URNM -50.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both URNM and VYM?
URNM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URNM and VYM?
URNM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URNM or VYM?
URNM yields 3.32% while VYM yields 2.86%, so URNM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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