USCA vs VYM
Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USCA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 409 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.71% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.99% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.76% | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USCA vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USCA returned +14.99% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, USCA is up 9.71% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Over three years, USCA compounded at +19.76% per year against +18.83% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, USCA has the edge at +20.91% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.8% for USCA. 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 -19.1% for USCA 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USCA charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USCA currently yields 1.13% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USCA and VYM share 187 holdings out of 821 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USCA or VYM?
USCA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USCA or VYM?
Over the past year USCA returned +14.99% vs +22.18% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USCA annualized +20.91% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USCA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.8% for USCA. Worst drawdown: USCA -19.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USCA and VYM?
USCA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USCA and VYM?
USCA and VYM share 187 common holdings with a 30.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USCA or VYM?
USCA yields 1.13% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.