USAF vs VYM
Atlas America Fund 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 | USAF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.45% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.51% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.55% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Atlas Capital Team | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USAF vs VYM Performance
Atlas America Fund ETF (USAF) is a ETF from Atlas Capital Team and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USAF returned +8.55% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, USAF is up 4.51% 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 4.4% for USAF. 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 -4.5% for USAF 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USAF charges 0.89% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $4 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USAF currently yields 2.45% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USAF and VYM share 1 holdings out of 619 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USAF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HASI | 0.14% | 0.02% | 0.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USAF or VYM?
USAF has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USAF or VYM?
Over the past year USAF returned +8.55% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), USAF annualized +8.18% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USAF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.4% for USAF. Worst drawdown: USAF -4.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USAF and VYM?
USAF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USAF and VYM?
USAF and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 619 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USAF or VYM?
USAF yields 2.45% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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